New Zealand v England LIVE rugby: Latest score and updates as as ...
Steve Borthwick’s team face the All Blacks in the first of a two-match summer Test series in New Zealand
England face New Zealand in Dunedin this morning in the first of two summer internationals against the All Blacks.
Steve Borthwick’s side enter the two-game series off the back of a 52-17 win in a warm-up game against Eddie Jones’ Japan team, with the Red Roses running in eight tries against their former head coach.
Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell and Chandler Cunningham-South were all impressive on the day, though a far sterner test awaits them as they take on the might of New Zealand on their home turf.
The All Blacks are a team in transition following the appointment of Scott Robertson as their new head coach, but this is still a unit that only fell to a narrow World Cup final defeat just nine months ago.
Follow all the updates from New Zealand vs England below:
A much cleaner strike from Damian McKenzie.
Richie Mo’unga, unavailable for this series after his move to Japan, gives an approving nod from the stands to his replacement in the number ten shirt.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:26
Frustrating for England. Having dealt with McKenzie’s chip, Tom Curry goes off his feet resourcing a ruck after a George Martin carry. Damian McKenzie (0 from 2 from the tee tonight) will try to narrow the deficit.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:25
Scott Robertson clearly feels that this is a pinch point for the contest. Enter Beauden Barrett and Fletcher Newell at full-back and tighthead respectively.
Can Beauden get their attack firing? They’ve not found flow at all since the interval. Damian McKenzie’s little chip isn’t the answer with Scott the wrong Barrett brother to be chasing it.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:24
A change for New Zealand: Ofa Tu’ungafasi is on for Ethan de Groot. England answer with two of their own: Dan Cole levels Jason Leonard’s cap tally of 114, replacing Will Stuart on the tighthead, and Tom Curry will offer a different, scavenging skillset in Chandler Cunningham-South’s stead at six.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:22
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is over in the corner!
Patience and posie from England in attack, guided brilliantly by Marcus Smith. Another fine ball allows Tommy Freeman to writhe to within just a couple of metres, and then it is all about picking the right moment to go wide. Smith spots space and demands the ball off Alex Mitchell, flicking a try-scoring pass out to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, showing his opportunistic instincts.
Smith can’t quite convert but that’s an excellent start to the half from the tourists.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:18
England have certainly come out with greater purpose, though. A lovely dleay from Marcus Smith puts club colleague Chandler Cunningham-South striding into space. Back into the opposition red area they advance...
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:17
Both coaches predicted that the breakdown would be brutal in this series, and that is very much proving true. Maro Itoje pinches a turnover to earn England possession in advanced territory, but when Ben Earl goes it alone inside the All Blacks 22, Will Stuart is forced to clatter in to a jackalling Ardie Savea from the side.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:16
My oh my, that’s poor from Marcus Smith. A genuine sitter and a snap-hook from the fly half, who hurls an expletive into the Dunedin night.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:14
Stable and solid enough from England...and eventually, they get the penalty! Nika Amashukeli tells New Zealand to “use it!” but Ethan de Groot keeps puttoing the pressure on, and is called for stepping around the outside.
This should push England into the lead...
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:13
A strong carry from Chandler Cunningham-South, driving back both All Blacks second rows. But a little spill on the deck ends his adventure ten metres from the New Zealand 22.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 July 2024 09:11
