Superstar Beauden Barrett came off the bench to inspire the All Blacks to a 24-17 comeback victory over England at Eden Park tonight.
The hosts were trailing by four points when the two-time World Player of the Year entered the game. Barrett quickly made an impact, setting up winger Mark Tele’a for his second try of the night, breaking the English resistance.
England had threatened to become the first team to win at Eden Park in 30 years. Excellent tries by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman gave them a narrow 14-13 lead at halftime.
Under coach Scott Robertson, the Kiwis struggled to regain momentum, and Marcus Smith extended England’s lead with a penalty before Barrett’s introduction to the pitch.
The fullback provided a composed presence, steadying the New Zealand team. He ran an excellent line against England’s scramble defense to assist Tele’a, who had scored earlier in the first half from a breakdown turnover. Barrett also held up Jamie George over the try line in the final play.
The victory allows the All Blacks to maintain their formidable record at Eden Park and secures a 2-0 series win over England, marking a successful start to Robertson’s tenure as head coach of the former world champions.