England 22 New Zealand 24 LIVE RESULT: George Ford’s failed drop goal attempt hands All Blacks marginal win
ENGLAND have suffered a marginal opening Autumn Internationals defeat at the hands of bitter rivals New Zealand.
Steve Borthwick's side were a George Ford drop goal attempt away from recording a historic win against the All Blacks.
But the fly-half fluffed his lines which handed New Zealand the win at Twickenham.
- RESULT: England 22-24 New Zealand
- TV channel: TNT Sports 1
- Live stream: discovery+
- Explainer: Autumn Internationals FULL results
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Stat attack
It was another close-run game at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.
But the All Blacks just edged it, with territory, carries, passes and clean breaks all falling in their favour.
Next up
England must dust themselves down ahead of a packed Autumn schedule.
The Red Rose take on Australia at Twickenham on November 9, before tough tests against South Africa and Japan.
New Zealand next play Six Nations champions Ireland in Dublin on Friday.
Credit: Reuters Wing wizard
New Zealand winger Mark Tele'a was the difference maker in the All Blacks' 24-22 win.
England led 22-14 late on but replacement fly-half Damian McKenzie's penalty and Tele'a's second try turned the tables.
The 27-year-old now has three scores across his last two games on this tour.
You suspect there are plenty more to come.
Credit: Alamy
Savea - We got lucky
A relieved No.8 Ardie Savea admitted New Zealand were let off the hook during Saturday's showdown.
He told TNT: “I think we got lucky with their penalty kick.
“But rugby is a game of fine margins. We’ll take it.
“I think that game could have gone either way. If it goes over at the end, our heads are down.
“That game could’ve gone either way but for us to stay in it and defend the goalline like that, I’m very proud of the boys.
“England’s pack were bringing line speed and they were putting big shots on us.”
Player ratings
It was a day to remember for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso - despite the final result.
The 21-year-old was our pick of the England players after a third try of the year against the All Blacks.
Credit: Alamy Face-off
Much of the talk before today's game centred on the Haka - and whether it should remain part of New Zealand's pre-match ritual.
England chose to stare down the All Blacks prior to the showdown at Twickenham.
As the Haka started, the Red Roses walked forward as one in an act of defiance supported by many fans on social media.
Credit: Getty Borthwick speaks
Disappointed England coach Steve Borthwick is trying to take the positives from today's narrow loss.
He told the BBC: "It is a mixture of immense pride at the performance against a very tough New Zealand team and one of incredible disappointment.
"They are the emotions we balance and will work through over the next few days.
"There were a load of things we did really well today and there were two good teams out there.
"When we started two years ago we wanted to get England right to the top of world rugby again.
"You can see the team banging on the door. We are disappointed not to get the win but we will take some positives forward with us."
Credit: AFP Kiwi dominance
The All Blacks' latest win at Twickenham continues their historical dominance of this fixture.
Of the 46 matches between the two sides, New Zealand have now won 36 and England just 8, with two draws.
Credit: Getty Day to forget
George Ford won't want to watch this one back.
The experienced fly half was brought on to see out the game for the Red Rose.
But he missed a crucial late penalty, crashing his kick off the right upright.
And just moments later, his game-winning drop-goal attempt from just outside the 22 sailed miles wide.
Credit: Getty
The turning point?
Plenty of England fans wondering what could have been if Marcus Smith had stayed on the field.
The fly-half put in a terrific shift for Steve Borthwick's men, but was subbed off for George Ford just after the hour mark.
One England fan raged on X: "When is Steve Borthwick just going to give Marcus Smith his backing for the whole 80? Back the man, he’s class and shouldn’t have been taken off."
While a relieved All Blacks supporter said: "Marcus Smith should've never been taken off. Though I was relieved when he was. Dangerous with ball in hand and from the tee, which is exactly what was needed."
Credit: PA Stat attack
The All Blacks edged a close game against England for the third time this year.
In the end, it came down to Mark Tele'a. The electric winger was the difference maker.
Credit: England Rugby Savea speaks
New Zealand's Ardie Savea limps over for a post-game interview - the All Blacks really had to battle for this one.
He tells TNT: "I think we got lucky with their penalty kick.
"But rugby is a game of fine margins. We'll take it.
"I think that game could have gone either way. If it goes over at the end, our heads are down.
"To defend the goal line that line, so proud of the effort."
Narrow margins
Once again, this England side just can't quite get over the line against New Zealand.
This is what the All Blacks do. They just don't know when they are beaten.
George Ford had two chances at the end to make himself a hero, but first his penalty hit the post before a drop-goal attempt slid wide.
Steve Borthwick's men trudge to the touchline before applauding their opponents off the field.
Credit: AFP FULL TIME! ENGLAND 22-24 NEW ZEALAND
A stunned silence at Twickenham. Ford's drop goal attempt sails wide of the post.
What a game.
Latest score – England 22-24 New Zealand
80 - Outrageous defence from the All Blacks.
They dominate the scrum and force England back - the Red Rose still in possession as they try get a drop goal opportunity...
OFF THE POST!
Incredible drama! Ford's kick smashes off the upright, but England get the tackle in and force the scrum just yards out.
Could they seal it with a drop goal? There are seconds left...
Latest score – England 22-24 New Zealand
78 - George Ford is going to kick after the penalty.
He's a long way out, but this will give England the lead back...
Latest score - England 22-24 New Zealand
78 - Desperate times now for England.
But this could be huge. Anton Lienert-Brown penalised for a nasty high tackle and is yellow-carded.
The All Blacks will have to see out this game with 14 men.
Credit: PA TRY - England 22-24 NEW ZEALAND
77 - It had been coming.
The All Blacks just need to get this man the ball at every opportunity.
Stunning effort from Mark Tele’a to get to the line, shrugging off three England tackles and somehow staying out of touch.
McKenzie makes a stunning conversion and the All Blacks lead.
Latest score - England 22-17 New Zealand
75 - The All Blacks have a penalty right in front of the posts.
Tap and go? Yep. Brace, England fans.
Latest score – England 22-17 New Zealand
73 - Another rousing rendition of Swing Low as England attempt to see off relentless pressure.
The All Blacks have the scrum penalty just inside the England half.
So much tension across the stadium as Barrett boots towards the corner. A huge period of play incoming.
Latest score – England 22-17 New Zealand
70 - How are your nerves?
Ten minutes to go, just five points in it. The All Blacks finally turn the tables in the scrum - we're getting into heartbreak territory.
Credit: PA Latest score – England 22-17 New Zealand
68 - A harsh penalty on Ben Earl, who is called for a no-arm tackle.
McKenzie strides up and belts the ball between the posts from around 30 metres out.
The All Blacks back within a converted try.
Latest score – England 22-14 New Zealand
67 - Another old head off the bench, with George Ford bringing some clam to proceedings.
Chandler Cunningham-South also lumbers off to a huge ovation. He has been a colossus.
Credit: Getty Latest score – England 22-14 New Zealand
64 - Ben Curry has come off the bench and makes an immediate impact.
Brilliant tackling to force a New Zealand error, turning the ball over as the All Blacks look to change the momentum.
This famous old place rocking now.
