England staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 33-19 victory over New Zealand, marking their first triumph against the All Blacks since 2012. The match, played at Twickenham, not only dashed New Zealand’s aspirations for a Grand Slam but also showcased England’s resilience.
New Zealand initially dominated the match, racing to a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor. However, England regained their composure, and an Ollie Lawrence try, along with two drop goals from George Ford, narrowed the gap to just one point at halftime.
The second half saw England surge ahead with tries from Sam Underhill and Fraser Dingwall, pushing the score to 25-12. Though New Zealand’s Will Jordan responded with a try of his own, Ford’s crucial penalty and Tom Roebuck’s late try sealed the victory for the hosts.
The victory was particularly significant as it marked England’s first win over New Zealand since their 2019 World Cup semi-final, breaking a streak of three consecutive losses last year. This triumph is especially notable as it took place on home soil at Twickenham, where England had not won against New Zealand since 2012.
George Ford was instrumental in the victory, demonstrating exceptional leadership and skill, ultimately earning the Man of the Match award. “We came back really well after going 12-0 down. The boys worked hard to sort things out, and it paid off,” he reflected on the match. His experience was a key factor, especially after being preferred over Fin Smith as flyhalf.
England’s performance was characterized by aggressive play and strategic pressure, often leaving New Zealand looking for answers. The result emphasizes a significant turnaround from the previous year’s encounters where England lost narrowly and struggled to maintain momentum.
England now looks ahead to their next challenge as they aim for an Autumn series sweep against Argentina, while New Zealand must regroup as their Grand Slam hopes are dashed. This match signifies a positive turning point for England, showcasing their potential and building anticipation for their future matches on the rugby stage.
Leave a comment