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Tyres NorthamptonIn an exhilarating face-off at Twickenham on November 2, 2024, England fell short by two points against New Zealand, losing 22-24 in their opening game of the Autumn Nations Series. The match showcased the intensity and skill both teams are known for, with a nail-biting finish that left fans captivated until the last second.
The game started with England’s Marcus Smith slotting an early penalty, putting England up 3-0. However, New Zealand quickly countered with an impressive offload by flanker Wallace Sititi to winger Mark Tele’a, who surged past England's defense to score in the corner. Beauden Barrett's conversion brought the score to 3-7 in favor of New Zealand, which was soon extended as Will Jordan crossed the line for another try, making it 3-14. England responded by capitalizing on scrum dominance, earning three penalties that Smith converted to close the gap to 12-14 by halftime.
England came out strong in the second half. A swift interception by Smith deep in England’s own territory led to an incredible counterattack, allowing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to score a try. With Smith's successful conversion, England took a 19-14 lead. A further penalty by Smith extended the margin to 22-14, putting England in a favorable position as they continued to apply defensive pressure and restrict New Zealand’s movements.
Despite England’s advantage, New Zealand demonstrated resilience. Substitute Damian McKenzie brought the score to 22-17 with a penalty, narrowing England’s lead. In the 76th minute, relentless All Black pressure culminated in Tele’a’s second try. McKenzie's skillful conversion from the touchline edged New Zealand ahead 22-24, placing England in a desperate fight to reclaim the lead in the final minutes.
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England had two opportunities to turn the game around in the last moments. George Ford, who replaced Smith, missed a critical penalty, hitting the post, and his subsequent drop goal attempt drifted wide. Head coach Steve Borthwick praised England’s attacking approach but expressed frustration with their inability to close out the game, a recurring issue in recent encounters with New Zealand. Captain Jamie George echoed Borthwick’s sentiments, acknowledging the team’s progress but emphasizing the need to convert opportunities into wins.
The intensity of the England-New Zealand rivalry was palpable, magnified by a pre-match controversy over the Haka. England’s prop Joe Marler had suggested discarding the traditional Maori ritual, calling it “ridiculous,” a comment that fueled debate. Marler later apologized, acknowledging the Haka’s cultural importance, but England's bold stance during the performance set the tone for the game. England now turns its attention to next weekend’s clash with Australia, determined to improve their composure in tight games. Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to build on their momentum when they face Ireland in Dublin, aiming to extend their winning streak in the Autumn Nations Series.