England achieved a notable achievement by claiming their first home victory against New Zealand since 2012, triumphing 33-19 in an exhilarating match during the Quilter Nations Series at Allianz Stadium. This significant win not only marked England’s first home win against the All Blacks in over a decade but also their first overall victory against New Zealand since the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
The match began with New Zealand seizing an early lead, quickly scoring two tries through Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor to establish a 12-0 advantage after storming into the England 22. However, England responded with determination, as Ollie Lawrence crossed the line in the 22nd minute. George Ford then played a pivotal role, converting two drop goals right before halftime to narrow the deficit to just one point.
In the second half, England took control of the game with tries from Sam Underhill and Fraser Dingwall, putting them firmly in the lead. New Zealand’s Will Jordan kept the competition alive with a try after England’s Ben Earl received a yellow card, yet Ford’s penalty in the 75th minute extended England’s lead to 28-19. The match concluded with Tom Roebuck sealing the victory with a well-executed try, set up impressively by Henry Pollock just two minutes later.
This victory also put an end to New Zealand’s pursuit of a Home Nations Grand Slam, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for England, who now celebrate ten consecutive wins. Historically, the All Blacks have been dominant, boasting 36 wins from 44 encounters, making this match a significant shift in momentum and strategy for the team.
This triumph not only reflects England’s determination and resilience but also highlights the potential for further growth and success in international rugby. Fans can anticipate how this victory will serve as a launching pad for their future endeavors, instilling hope and excitement for what lies ahead.