In a nail-biting finish at Twickenham on Saturday, New Zealand winger Mark Tele’a scored the decisive try as the All Blacks edged past England 24-22 in a dramatic November international clash.
England held a 22-14 lead with just 13 minutes left, but replacement fly-half Damian McKenzie and Tele’a’s second try of the match handed New Zealand a narrow two-point lead. England substitute fly-half George Ford, who had already hit the post with a 79th-minute penalty—his first goal-kick of the game—missed a potential game-winning drop-goal with the final kick of the match.
The defeat was yet another frustrating blow for England, whose close losses since the 2023 Rugby World Cup have included narrow defeats in New Zealand in July. This latest setback was particularly tough on fly-half Marcus Smith, who contributed 17 points and provided the interception that led to England’s only try, scored by winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
The All Blacks led 14-12 at halftime, with converted tries from Tele’a and prolific full-back Will Jordan, while England’s points came from four Smith penalties. Early in the second half, Smith’s interception set up Feyi-Waboso for a crucial try, which put England ahead. But once again, they couldn’t hold off a determined All Blacks comeback.
New Zealand struck first after just nine minutes when flanker Wallace Sititi’s clever reverse pass out of a tackle put Tele’a through on the blindside, leaving England’s Ellis Genge in his wake. Beauden Barrett’s conversion made it 7-3 to the visitors.
England quickly responded with a Smith penalty, narrowing the gap to one point. However, the All Blacks stretched their lead in the 28th minute with a brilliant inside scissor-pass from Barrett that sent full-back Jordan racing in from 30 meters for his 36th try in just 38 Tests. Barrett added the conversion to put New Zealand ahead 14-6 before Smith reduced the deficit with another penalty.
A thunderous tackle by England flanker Chandler Cunningham-South on Tupou Vaa’i forced a knock-on, raising the spirits of the 81,000-strong Twickenham crowd. Smith then slotted a 47-meter penalty to bring England within striking distance.
Five minutes into the second half, Smith intercepted a Cortez Ratima pass deep in his own 22, sprinting clear of Will Jordan and linking with full-back George Furbank, who set up Feyi-Waboso for a spectacular try. Smith’s conversion gave England a five-point advantage.
The All Blacks thought they had responded with a breakaway try by Beauden Barrett, but it was ruled out upon review due to a deliberate knock-on by winger Caleb Clarke. Smith then extended England’s lead to 22-14, leaving the hosts just minutes away from a historic ninth win in 46 Tests against New Zealand.
But as they have done so often, the All Blacks found a way back. McKenzie’s composed play and Tele’a’s finishing touch ultimately denied England, ensuring New Zealand walked away victorious in yet another unforgettable Twickenham encounter.
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