New Zealand v England
NOVEMBER 10 // TWICKENHAM STADIUM, LONDON ENGLAND 15 – NEW ZEALAND 16
Build Up Fast Facts
✪ As predicted New Zealand picked from the bulk of the 23 players they sent to London earlier – with Mo’unga and Coles the only two to make the squad from the previous game.
✪ Jack Goodhue came back into the side at centre and was paired with Sonny Bill Williams – a combination used successfully in Dunedin earlier in the year.
✪ Hansen revealed his depth of friendship with England coach Eddie Jones and then declared the test was going to be bigger than the Lions series.
The Game Fast Facts
✪ The heavens opened just before kick-o and torrential rain pelted the players all game. This lead to a greater element of kick-chase from both teams.
✪ England were dynamic and organised in the first 30 minutes to the point where they almost won the game. They scored a try through Chris Ashton after two minutes and then another with a driving maul that saw them lead 15-0 after 20 minutes.
✪ The All Blacks began to hold on to the ball more, crash up the middle more and then push wide and it led to a try to Damian McKenzie and a critical penalty just before the break.
✪ Beauden Barrett landed his first drop goal early in the second half and then kicked another penalty to push the All Blacks one point ahead with 20 minutes to go.
✪ England thought they had won the game when Sam Underhill scored from a charge down but the TMO reviewed it and said Courtney Lawes had been oside.
Star Players
✪ Ben Smith was tidy and energetic on the All Blacks right wing and Beauden Barrett gave a classic, traditional performance at No 10 where his kicking and tactical control were superb.
✪ Brodie Retallick, despite his lack of rugby was on another planet and carried hard, picked o turnovers and lineouts and was quite stunning.
✪ England’s Sam Underhill had a huge game at openside and while his try was rightfully chalked o, he took it brilliantly.