All Blacks learn some valuable lessons
London – New Zealand learned valuable lessons in a hostile environment as they came from behind to eke out a 16-15 win over England at a rain-lashed Twickenham on Saturday.
The world champions trailed 15-0 after England scored two early tries and although the All Blacks never threatened to cut loose with their usual flowing rugby, they did enough to notch up another win, less than a year before their World Cup defence.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen (right) told a news conference: “England were very, very good and we showed a lot of char- acter in a hostile environment after being 15-0 down and in the weather conditions.
“It wasn’t conducive to playing razzle-dazzle rugby. We showed a lot of character.”
England started fast and recalled winger Chris Ashton scored a try within two minutes before co-captain Dylan Hartley was driven over from a rolling maul to give England hope of repeating their famous win over New Zealand in 2012.
New Zealand captain Kieran Read said: “They started extremely well. We were on the back foot straight away but we just had to work things out. It’s been a while since we played in these conditions.”
The All Blacks regrouped and after refusing a kickable penalty, a scything run by replacement centre Ryan Crotty set up a position for flyhalf Beauden Barrett to flick a neat inside pass to fullback Damian McKenzie, who scorched over the line.
Barrett converted and added a penalty as New Zealand narrowed England’s lead to 15-10 at halftime.
“Those 10 points were vital for us,” Hansen said. “It’s all about using that momentum when you’ve got it.”
Barrett’s drop goal and another penalty edged New Zealand ahead, but they had to endure a nervous wait after England flanker Sam Underhill took advantage of a charge down and sprinted 30m down the left wing to touch down with four minutes left.
The TMO ruled out the try because England forward Courtney Lawes had been offside before charging down the kick.
New Zealand duly closed out the win and Read was delighted with his team’s resolve ahead of next week’s test against Ireland, the world’s second-ranked team. –