England’s George Ford missed two last-gasp shots at goal and New Zealand held on to win a dramatic Autumn Nations Series opener 24-22 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
A brilliant solo try by wing Mark Tele’a, converted from the sideline by Damian McKenzie, saw New Zealand regain a two-point lead with three minutes to go. But then Anton Lienert-Brown was sin-binned for a head-on-head tackle and Ford lined up an angled penalty kick from 40 metres but it rebounded off the right post.
The hosts then got a scrum in the 22, with the sell-out crowd of 82,000 baying England on, but the All Blacks spoiled the scrum and a rushed drop goal attempt by Ford after the 80-minute hooter flew well wide.
It means New Zealand complete a hat-trick of wins against England this year, by a combined 10 points. Meanwhile, England missed out on a first home win over the All Blacks since 2012.
Relive the Autumn Nations Series opener in our live blog below:
England vs All Blacks live updates
- England lose 24-22 to New Zealand in dramatic Autumn Nations Series opener
- George Ford sees late penalty hit the post and last-gasp drop goal attempt go wide as the All Blacks hang on
- England led by eight points heading into the final quarter but saw their lead slip away
- FULL-TIME! England 22-24 New Zealand
- 80’ - MISS! George Ford’s drop goal goes wide after earlier penalty hit the post (ENG 22-24 NZ)
- 76’ - TRY! Tele’a scores powerful late try in the corner (ENG 22-24 NZ)
- 45’ - TRY! Feyi-Waboso finishes off a breakaway try started by Smith (ENG 19-14 NZ)
- HALF-TIME England 12-14 New Zealand
- 28’ TRY! Neat Barrett pass sends Jordan over for the score (ENG 6-14 NZ)
- 10’ - TRY! Tele’a exploits Genge mismatch to go over in the corner (ENG 3-7 NZ)
FULL-TIME! England 22-24 New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 17:20 , Luke BakerWow! What a Test match but it’s the All Blacks who snatch the most dramatic of wins to break England hearts at Twickenham.
WHAT A MATCH! 😱
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
George Ford had the chance to win it with a drop goal but pushes it wide and the All Blacks claim the win!#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/rV8qYW2Jf3
England 22-24 New Zealand, 80 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 17:14 , Luke BakerThe scrum is messy and heads backwards but England do get the ball out. hey’re back ont he 22 but in possession. They go through the phases and the clock turns red - this is the last chance.
George Ford drops back into the pocket, they’re going for the drop goal... BUT IT’S WIDE! New Zealand celebrate, England bereft as the All Blacks will win this in the most dramatic of circumstances.
MISSED PENALTY! England 22-24 New Zealand (George Ford, 78 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 17:11 , Luke BakerOH MY WORD! George Ford’s penalty hits the post. Is that England’s chance gone?
Wait. It’s an England scrum! New Zealand drop the ball as it comes off the post and England have another chance...
YELLOW CARD! England 22-24 New Zealand (Anton Leinert-Brown, 77 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 17:08 , Luke BakerWow! New Zealand get pinged for another off-the-ball tackle and it will be a yellow card. But we’ve got a TMO review and Anton Leinert-Brown is headed to the sin-bin for a high tackle!
England will have a penalty to retake the lead...
TRY! England 22-24 New Zealand (Mark Tele’a, 76 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 17:04 , Luke BakerHeartbreak for England! New Zealand attack, they go wide to the right and somehow Mark Tele’a powers through multiple tacklers to dot down in the corner. The All Blacks are level!
Tough conversion for Damian McKenzie but he nails it from the touchline! And New Zealand lead with a matter of minutes left.
England 22-17 New Zealand, 74 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 17:01 , Luke BakerEngland kicking everything now as they try to see out a famous win but there’s still time on the clock as New Zealand attack again in the 22...
England 22-17 New Zealand, 72 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:58 , Luke BakerEngland kicking everything now as they try to see out a famous win but there’s still eight minutes left.
England 22-17 New Zealand, 70 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:54 , Luke BakerIt’s been a physical Test match and is still up for grabs heading into the final 10 minutes.
PENALTY! England 22-17 New Zealand (Damian McKenzie, 67 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:52 , Luke BakerNo mistake from Damian McKenzie as he adds the three points. New Zealand back within six.
Beauden Barrett heads down the tunnel for a HIA as Mark Tele’a comes back on. England hooker Theo Dan also receiving treatment on his hand.
England 22-14 New Zealand, 66 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:50 , Luke BakerCunningham-South given a big cheer by the crowd as he leaves the field for Alex Dombrandt. He’s put in a huge shift today and that big tackle in the first half was a real momentum turner.
The All Blacks dominating possession but turning the ball over at crucial moments as Itoje jackals the ball away at the breakdown this time.
But the TMO is in the referee’s ear to penalise Earl for a no-arms tackle on Tosi. He went low but doesn’t wrap his arm. Three points would put the All Blacks back within a score.
England 22-14 New Zealand, 64 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:47 , Luke BakerHarry Randall on at scrum half and Marcus Smith also off, with George Ford on to see this game out. New Zealand getting in good postions but the discipline not currently there - another knock-on at a crucial moment.
Anton Lienert-Brown on for Jordie Barrett in the centres.
England 22-14 New Zealand, 62 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:44 , Luke BakerScott Robertson going to his bench as Cam Roigard on at scrum half and playmaker Damian McKenzie on for Tele’a. Presumably McKenzie will go to 10, Beauden Barrett to full back and Will Jordan to the wing. Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Pasilio Tosi also on in the front row.
The All Blacks look dangerous out wide but Ben Curry, off the bench for England, gets into the breakdown and wins the turnover after a barrelling Sititi run. Curry maybe not supporting his bodyweight but gets away with it.
PENALTY! England 22-14 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 60 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:42 , Luke BakerAnd England are ahead by more than a score as Marcus Smith slots the penalty. We’re into the final quarter.
England 19-14 New Zealand, 59 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:40 , Luke BakerHarry Latham-Coyle explains more
For the first time this autumn, some conversations between the officials are being broadcast in stadiums - and what an overdue and fine innovation that is. The home fans roared with delight at almost every word of Angus Gardner's explanation of the deliberate knock-on, fully aware of the process and outcome of the decision rather than relying on hand signals. Excellent.
NO TRY! England 19-14 New Zealand (Beauden Barrett, 59 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:37 , Luke BakerThis is awarded as a try but surely it’s coming back. Got to be a deliberate knock-on by New Zealand?
Yep, the TMO agrees. Tommy Freeman tries to offload as England attack, Claeb Clarke sticks out an arm and knocks the ball on. Clear deliberate knock-on (the referee initially thought it was part of the tackle) that eventually led to the All Blacks breaking clear and Beauden BArrett completing the run-in.
But it’s pulled back. New Zealand had cover out wide, so it’s not a sin-bin but a penalty for England and they can take the lead beyond a score with the three points...
England 19-14 New Zealand, 57 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:36 , Luke BakerTom Curry with absolute terrier-like defence as he hunts across the New Zealand 22 and forces the knock-on with a diving tackle. Big fist pump from the Sale man.
England win a free-kick at the scrum after the All Blacks engage early. You can no longer opt for the scrum from a free-kick so England launch a massive up-and-under, coming down on the line! It just goes through Slade’s fingers as multiple players jump for it and the All Blacks are able to win it.
That was glorious carnage!
England 19-14 New Zealand, 54 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:33 , Luke BakerSuperb carry from Feyi-Waboso, into traffic but he still makes 15 metres! Smith then fires in a sumptuous kick for a 50:22!
First lineout bounces back into touch off a New Zealand hand but Maro Itoje is England captain now, with Jamie George off the field, and he claims the second lineout as England move into the 22. However, the All Blacks defend the maul superbly, come through and disrupt to win the scrum. A missed opportunity for the hosts
England 19-14 New Zealand, 54 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:31 , Luke BakerLatest missive from Harry Latham-Coyle
Beauden Barrett was outstanding in the first half, ingenious and inventive while keeping control of the contest. He's been anything but in the second, kicking errantly to squander New Zealand's territorial advantage.
England 19-14 New Zealand, 53 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:31 , Luke BakerClarke makes a half-break to take NZ towards the 22 and Ratima then seizes the ball to avoid a turnover but England block a kick through to win it back anyway. Spencer’s clearance goes up towards halfway.
Here are the first England changes. A whole new front row on - the starters played really well but it’s time for Fin Baxter, Dan Cole and Theo Dan.
England 19-14 New Zealand, 51 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:29 , Luke BakerThings have got a bit scrappy in this second half with the ball hitting the deck on multiple occasions. Will England start thinking about replacements soon?
England 19-14 New Zealand, 48 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:26 , Luke BakerJeers around the Allianz as Beauden Barrett launches a deep, long kick but it bounces all the way through the in-goal area, out dead and England will have the scrum back on halfway. A bit unlucky perhaps but England won’t mind.
TRY! England 19-14 New Zealand (Manny Feyi-Waboso, 45 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:22 , Luke BakerA breakaway try out of nothing for England!
Ratima’s pass is blocked and Marcus Smith picks up the ball in his own half and streaks away. He’s not got the pace to go all the way but doesn’t panic when he’s caught on the 22, flipping the ball to the supporting Furbank, who feeds Manny Feyi-Waboso to glide over the line. A sucker punch for the All Blacks!
Smith adds the conversion and England lead for the first time since 3-0
England 12-14 New Zealand, 43 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:20 , Luke BakerA change for New Zealand in the second row as Patrick Tuipulotu comes on for Tupou Vaa’i. Replacements could decide this match.
We footle about with a scrum for a little while and a couple of resets (what else is new...) before NZ eventually hold firm and run from their own half. Great tackle by Freeman on Jordan and the All Blacks suddenly back into their own 22 and Barrett boots to touch.
England have made good territory though.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 42 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:18 , Luke BakerMore from Harry Latham-Coyle on the ground
England have loaded up with six forwards on the bench - when will Steve Borthwick use them? While that unit will bring fresh energy, you fear that there might be a significant quality drop-off in the back five of the pack with the way that Ben Earl, Chandler-Cunningham South and co. are playing.
KICK-OFF! England 12-14 New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:17 , Luke BakerBack underway at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. A big 40 minutes coming up.
WATCH! England 12-14 New Zealand - first-half highlights
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:06 , Luke BakerHere are some of the best bits from the first half.
BIG RESPONSE! 🌹
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
England face up to the Haka! #AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/pHV7VcXiSa
The @AllBlacks get the first try of the Autumn Nations Series!
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
Mark Tele'a slides in! 🔥#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/lFkl8fjJuv
No stopping Will Jordan! 💨
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
Sensational rugby from the @AllBlacks!#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/nhnC2Etcri
Listen to that roar! 🔊
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
What a tackle from Chandler Cunningham-South! 💪#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/jogL1d9Yif
HALF-TIME! England 12-14 New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:02 , Luke BakerA compelling first half with tries from Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan for the All Blacks but the boot of Marcus Smith has kept England in touch. They’ll need to show more in attack to win this Test match though, you feel.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 40 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 16:01 , Luke BakerA last chance for England before half-time as Clarke blocks a kick ahead into touch. Lineout near halfway for the hosts...
Martin claims it in the air and England win a penalty from the maul. Slade boots the ball just outside the 22, another lineout and this one is scrappy but Feyi-Waboso claims the loose ball and takes it up to the 22.
Smith drops into the pocket, goes for the drop goal but it’s an ugly attempt, well short. And that’s half-time.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 39 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:58 , Luke BakerOur man on the ground, Harry Latham-Coyle, has been impressed by Wallace Sititi
Wallace Sititi is quite something to watch in the flesh. Rangy and full of free spirit, he moves a lot like a cutting basketball small forward, subtly changing direction as he surges into the paint. He should, really, have held on to that ball there and allowed his teammate to resource the ruck and go again – but that was a glimpse of his serious talent.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 38 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:57 , Luke BakerOh wow! That could be a key moment. England almost break as Earl hacks ahead from a loose ball but Barrett gets a foot to it and it bounces up for Wallace Sititi.
From there, it’s incredible by the All Blacks flanker as he slides through a gap and then shows brilliant footwork to dance around George Martin and barrel into the England half. He throws a long pass to Vaa’i and if it goes to hand, then it’s a run-in but it’s an inch too far in front of the lock and bounces off his hand to hit the deck.
A huge let-off for England! Credit to Feyi-Waboso who threw himself at Sititi and maybe put him off as he was throwing the pass.
PENALTY! England 12-14 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 36 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:53 , Luke BakerAnd now a penalty from the scrum for England! Their second of the day and it’s more fist pumps. The scrum struggled in New Zealand in the summer, so this is an impressive turnaround.
Dead central, so Marcus Smith goes for the posts even from long range. No mistake! The ball sails through and the boot of Smith is keeping England in touch.
England 9-14 New Zealand, 34 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:52 , Luke BakerNice handling by the All Blacks in midfield between Sititi and Barrett. Huge hit by Cunningham-South on Tupou Vaa’i, the ball knocked on and that gets the Twickenham crowd on their feet. He celebrates with the crowd.
A dominant tackle if ever there was one and England need to build from this scrum just inside the NZ half.
Listen to that roar! 🔊
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
What a tackle from Chandler Cunningham-South! 💪#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/jogL1d9Yif
PENALTY! England 9-14 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 31 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:48 , Luke BakerThe penalty is fairly central, midway between the 22 and the halfway line. England opt to go for the points to just stay in touch and Marcus Smith slots the ball between the uprights
England 6-14 New Zealand, 30 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:47 , Luke BakerA TMO review clocks that Sam Cane tackles Chandler Cunningham-South off the ball and it’s an England penalty. The third time NZ have tackled off the ball and the referee warns them that it could be a yellow card next time.
England will go for the posts again
TRY! England 6-14 New Zealand (Will Jordan, 28 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:43 , Luke BakerEngland caught out and New Zealand score again. Will Jordan with a lovely finish.
It’s Genge again who gets stuck in a mismatch, Beauden Barrett wraps around on the left as he’s fed by Ratima and then flicks the ball to Jordan running back inside. Genge has over-committed, Jordan slips past his inside shoulder and arcs in for the try. His 36th in just 38 Tests.
Another great kick by Barrett from near the touchline adds the extra two and New Zealand in control here.
No stopping Will Jordan! 💨
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
Sensational rugby from the @AllBlacks!#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/nhnC2Etcri
England 6-7 New Zealand, 27 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:42 , Luke BakerAll Blacks running from their own 22 again. Sititi makes 25 metres before Genge brings him down. Tele’a kicks ahead and a moment of panic from Furbank as he covers across the 22 and spills the ball initially but scrambles to jump on it and England can box-kick clear through Spencer.
This is a very fun Test match so far
England 6-7 New Zealand, 25 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:41 , Luke BakerNeat footwork from Feyi-Waboso to leave Clarke for dead on the 22 but the England winger then gets crunched in the tackle by Asafo Aumua and stays down. Winces from the Twickenham crowd.
Things getting frantic now. Jordie Barrett breaks from his own 22, Tom Curry is blocked trying to get to him but the referee doesn’t spot it. Suddenly NZ are down in the England 22 but again they’re pinged for going off their feet at the ruck.
It’s starting to sizzle in southwest London.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 23 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:38 , Luke BakerLatest from Harry Latham-Coyle at Twickenham
World Rugby are putting a stricter focus on "escorting" in this autumn series, attempting to prevent retreating players blocking chasers from having clear access to someone settling under a high ball. It is having a clear impact in this first half, with Will Jordan thumped by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso a few moments ago. It should lead to more contested kicks and, ultimately, a more open game.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 22 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:37 , Luke BakerAlmos a chance out of nothing as Beauden Barrett kicks ahead, gathers the ball and then grubbers again. Marcus Smith scrambles back in the 22 to claim the ball and NZ counter-ruck but they’re too eager – Ratima pinged for not supporting his bodyweight.
England secure the lineout, then a break by Itoje, who is carrying really well today. Neat offload to Spencer but the scrum half just drifts towards the left touchline and his grubber ahead can’t stay infield.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 18 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:34 , Luke BakerBig roar round Twickenham as Will Stuart wins the scrum penalty, with New Zealand pinged for collapsing. Great work by the England tighthead against the monstruous Tamaiti Williams.
England may have lost defence coach Felix Jones but the blitz defence appears to be here to stay under Joe El-Abd, great pressing to knock the All Blacks backwards.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 17 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:32 , Luke BakerDecent attacking opportunity for the All Blacks but great covering defence from Lawrence as he manages to scrag Ioane from behind and strip the ball loose. Superb. Ioane quickly heads to the dressing room for a blood replacement
WATCH: New Zealand score first try of Autumn Nations Series
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:28 , Luke BakerHere’s how Mark Tele’a got New Zealand on the board with their first try.
The @AllBlacks get the first try of the Autumn Nations Series!
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
Mark Tele'a slides in! 🔥#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/lFkl8fjJuv
England 6-7 New Zealand, 14 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:28 , Luke BakerNew Zealand force the turnover in England territory as Lomax nips round the side of a ruck to disrupt Spencer as he goes to play the ball. That looked tight but I’d say the ball was still in the breakdown. Ref disagrees and it’s allowed to stand but NZ knock on, so England get the scrum.
Safely won and then cleared over halfway
PENALTY! England 6-7 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 13 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:26 , Luke BakerNo mistake from Marcus Smith from the tee as he narrows the deficit to a single point.
England 3-7 New Zealand, 12 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:24 , Luke BakerGood response from England, good quick ball and Feyi-Waboso takes them into the All Blacks 22. Scott Barrett drives Stuart backwards and Marcus Smith then goes for the drop goal but it’s blocked.
Back for an England penalty.
TRY! England 3-7 New Zealand (Mark Tele’a, 10 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:22 , Luke BakerSititi among the one-up carriers for New Zealand as they work the ball into the 22. And now it’s a try!
Brilliance from Sititi as he draws Furbank into tackle him, produces a back-of-the-hand offload and Mark Tele’a gets outside Ellis Genge to touch down in the corner. Beautifully worked to exploit a mismatch.
Then a stunning conversion from Barrett from out wide.
England 3-0 New Zealand, 8 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:20 , Luke BakerAll Blacks go wide and Clarke tries to kick ahead but shanks the ball out of play. They did have penalty advantage but that still wasn’t great. Good touchfinder from Beauden Barrett though - lineout on the England 22.
PENALTY! England 3-0 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 5 mins)
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:18 , Luke BakerEasy kick for Marcus Smith to get things going and England lead 3-0. Bad news for the All Blacks though as Codie Taylor is off for a HIA. Asafo Aumua on at hooker temporarily.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 4 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:16 , Luke BakerEngland go over the top from the lineout and then crash pull through the middle takes them to the 22. Nice half-break by Itoje, good quick ball from Spencer as well - which he’s been criticised for not having in the past.
Slade carries, England 10 metres out. George Martin drops the ball but back for a penalty after Jordie Barrett tackles off the ball. Good start from England and they’ll go for the posts.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 2 mins
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:14 , Luke BakerEarly kick-pass from Marcus Smith crossfield looking for Feyi-Waboso but brillaintly defended by Caleb Clarke to push the Englishman into touch.
After the lineout, the All Blacks go aerial themselves but England claim and clear down to the 22. This time New Zealand kick-pass and FeyiWaboso disrupts before a BIG tackle from Cunningham-South drives his man back deep into the 22. Superb by the back rower. NZ eventually clear.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:12 , Luke BakerAnd we’re off at the Allianz! This should be mega.
England v New Zealand - All Blacks perform haka
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:10 , Luke BakerOk, here we go... A frisson of tension in the Twickenham crowd. New Zealand perform the haka as per normal and the England fans bellow out ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ for the duration. Supporters doing their part!
As for the England team, they line up to face the All Blacks and walk forward a few steps to show they’re up for the challenge. During the Maori war dance, the All Blacks also walk forward, so the teams end up only a couple of yards from each other with just a few prone photographers lying between them... Wonder if they’re regretting their positioning....
All good theatre, now the business is about to start!
What is a 20-minute red card? How new rugby law will work during Autumn Nations Series
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:08 , Luke BakerLet’s hope this isn’t relevant today but there’s a new law being trialled this autumn - the 20-minute red card. It has been used in the southern hemisphere but will now controversially be tried up north.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What is a 20-minute red card? How new rugby law will work during autumn Tests
England v New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:04 , Luke BakerThe teams head out to the Twickenham turf. Anthems upcoming and then the eagerly-awaited haka. Rumours of a response from England after the week of controversy following Joe Marler’s comments but we’ll wait and see.
England v New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 15:02 , Luke BakerAn update from our man on the ground at Twickenham, Harry Latham-Coyle:
A wonderfully mild and dry early November day at the renamed Allianz Stadium, which is plastered in blue and white branding to mark the rather lucrative partnership with the insurance firm. Tenor Alfie Boe has just treated those in their seats to a stirring rendition of ‘Jerusalem’ – it's not quite the haka in terms of cultural meaning, but the early-arriving England fans certainly seemed to enjoy William Blake's words.
Joe Marler hugs Scott Robertson after haka controversy
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:56 , Luke BakerA nice denouement to all the haka controversy this week. Instigator Joe Marler appears to have been forgiven for his comments by All Blacks boss Scott Robertson.
Heartwarming stuff... We still eagerly await England’s response to the haka, of course.
Joe Marler 🤝 Scott Robertson
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024
It looks like all is forgiven between @JoeMarler and the @AllBlacks after his comments about the Haka earlier in the week 👀#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/Z08kxpkmEm
England vs New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:55 , Luke BakerWe’re about 15 minutes from kick-off now and the players are getting ready for what should be a fascinating clash
England vs New Zealand match officials
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Jordan Way (Aus)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (RSA)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (RSA)
‘Special’ Wallace Sititi looks to continue breakthrough year
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne of New Zealand’s brightest new stars is young back row Wallace Sititi. The son of former Samoa international Semo, the 22-year-old was somewhat surprisingly preferred to Hoskins Sotutu in Scott Robertson’s squad after finding his footing with the Chiefs down the stretch of his debut season at Super Rugby level. But since stepping into a black jersey for the first time against Fiji in San Diego, the youngster hasn’t looked back.
The back row seems to move differently both in the open field and at the lineout, where his spring is a vital weapon in both attack and, particularly, defence. “He reminds me a bit of myself, he can play six, seven or eight really well,” Ardie Savea said this week. “He’s quality.
“The athleticism is just something he has got. That’s something you don’t want to tarnish. You want him to flourish and keep playing the way he’s playing. He’s been amazing coming into this environment. He’s found what works for him and is playing great footy – it’s a testament to himself and his preparation, the level-headedness and calmness he has. It’s special.”
The Henry Slade gamble that shows the centre has become one of England’s most important players
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleHenry Slade scrambled home from Spain last week in order to feature for Exeter in their defeat to Harlequins, the 54 minutes his first of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer. His rapid return indicates just how important he is to this England side.
The Henry Slade gamble that shows the centre has become one of England’s key figures
Team news - New Zealand
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll Blacks head coach Scott Robertson recalls his big guns after resting them from the win over Japan last weekend, including Jordie Barrett, who is available after injury. Beauden Barrett is handed the reins at fly half with Will Jordan at full-back, and Mark Tele’a is given an opportunity to regain form on the wing. With no Ethan de Groot for a breach of “internal standards”, the giant Tamaiti Williams starts at loosehead prop.
New Zealand XV: 1 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Wallace Sititi, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Ardie Savea; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Mark Tele’a; 15 Will Jordan.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau; 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie.
Eyes on Twickenham 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/9hGGEIG2wh
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 31, 2024
Team news - England
Saturday 2 November 2024 14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleHenry Slade is fit to start for England having played his first minutes of the season for Exeter last weekend after recovering from shoulder surgery. Ben Spencer is named as the starting scrum half for the first time in his international career having pipped Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall to the nine shirt, while Ellis Genge returns at loosehead having missed the summer tour due to injury. Steve Borthwick opts for six forwards and two backs on the bench.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin; 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Marcus Smith; 11 Tommy Freeman, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; 15 George Furbank.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Ben Curry, 21 Alex Dombrandt; 22 Harry Randall, 23 George Ford.
Bringing the heat 🔥
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 29, 2024
Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his match day squad to face New Zealand at @allianz_stad this weekend in our opening Test of the @autumnnations series 🌹@O2 | #WearTheRose pic.twitter.com/RT7TABrpwj
Kevin Sinfield admits he did not expect to still be on England coaching team
Saturday 2 November 2024 13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle12 months ago, it was Kevin Sinfield overseeing England’s defence, producing an impressive World Cup campaign before deciding that he felt a different role would be more appropriate. Having announced an intention to leave the set-up ahead of the Six Nations, agreement has been reached that will allow Sinfield to retain involvement on a part-time basis, leaving him free to pursue other passions including his considerable charity work.
While a pre-booked speaking tour will leave Sinfield absent for a couple of these autumn Tests, he is delighted to be remaining part of Borthwick’s staff.
Kevin Sinfield admits he did not expect to still be on England coaching team
New England defence coach Joe El-Abd opens up on friendship with Steve Borthwick and rugby philosophy
Saturday 2 November 2024 13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland have a new defence coach for this autumn, with Joe El-Abd taking up the role after Felix Jones handed in his resignation in August. The former Bristol and Toulon flanker will continue to serve as director of rugby of French club Oyonnax until the end of the season but has been tasked with taking England’s aggressive defence on after answering an SOS from his former flatmate Steve Borthwick.
New England defence coach Joe El-Abd reveals why role was ‘difficult to refuse’
Ireland criticise 20-minute red card ahead of controversial trial in autumn Tests
Saturday 2 November 2024 13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are a few law trials in place this autumn, with attempts made to speed up the formation of both scrums and lineouts and a clamp down on “escorting” from retreating players while the oppostion are chasing kicks. It is the introduction of the 20-minute red card, though, that has attracted most attention, with Ireland and France coming out against the change in rugby’s disciplinary process:
Ireland criticise 20-minute red card ahead of controversial trial in autumn Tests
Autumn Nations Series schedule: How to watch every rugby Test on TV and online
Saturday 2 November 2024 13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is, as mentioned, a hectic November with the Autumn Nations Series spread over five weeks of fixtures. Here’s the full schedule and how you can watch every game:
Autumn Nations Series schedule: How to watch every rugby Test
Maro Itoje on the Lions, leadership and politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
Saturday 2 November 2024 12:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne man usually at his best on days like these is Maro Itoje, who surpasses the cap tally of the great Martin Johnson today. In Girona last week, I sat down with the ever-considered and compelling England lock to talk leadership, the prospect of a third Lions tour and his potential political ambitions.
Maro Itoje on politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
Saturday 2 November 2024 12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor New Zelanad, the 2-0 series win over today’s opponents represents the high point of their year so far, with more than a few teething problems under Scott “Razor” Robertson. Have the All Blacks lost their aura?
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
Coaching upheaval sets up pivotal autumn for Steve Borthwick and England
Saturday 2 November 2024 12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll of that has rather overshadowed the build-up to a vital opening Test of the autumn. For Steve Borthwick, the last couple of months have not been as smooth as he would have liked, with the twin departures of strength and conditioning guru Aled Walters (who has joined Andy Farrell’s Ireland) and defence coach Felix Jones (serving a 12-month notice period while providing analysis from afar) rocking the England boss. After a series of near misses this year, this is a pivotal November.
Coaching upheaval sets up pivotal autumn for Steve Borthwick and England
Joe Marler apologises to New Zealand fans after calling for Haka to be scrapped
Saturday 2 November 2024 12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd then, on Thursday evening, Marler apologised to All Blacks fans for his comment - though still believes that the opposition should be able to provide a response to the haka.
Joe Marler apologises to New Zealand fans after calling for Haka to be scrapped
Jamie George fears Joe Marler has provoked New Zealand over anti-Haka comments
Saturday 2 November 2024 11:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland captain Jamie George, meanwhile, disagreed with the opinion of his long-time front row colleague, and suggested that Joe Marler may have “prodded the bear”:
Jamie George fears Joe Marler has provoked New Zealand over anti-Haka comments
All Blacks hit back at England prop Joe Marler over haka criticism
Saturday 2 November 2024 11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleOn Thursday, the All Blacks hit back, with head coach Scott Robertson explaining why the traditional Maori pre-match challenge is so important to New Zealand:
All Blacks hit back at England prop Joe Marler over haka criticism
Joe Marler defends haka remark after claiming tradition ‘needs binning’ before England v All Blacks
Saturday 2 November 2024 11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo let’s take you through how the haka saga unfolded this week. Joe Marler left England camp on Monday for personal reasons, but it was Tuesday night when the prop stoked the fires with a slightly clumsy comment on social media:
Joe Marler defends haka remark after claiming tradition ‘needs binning’
England vs All Blacks LIVE
Friday 1 November 2024 07:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleWelcome along to the The Independent’s LIVE coverage of England vs New Zealand as the Autumn Nations Series kicks off with a bang at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
One of rugby’s most anticipated fixture is a fitting start to a busy November of international action as the Southern Hemisphere heavyweights test themselves against their Six Nations foes. Steve Borthwick’s hosts were beaten 2-0 on their July tour of New Zealand and will be out to right a few wrongs against an All Blacks side hoping to rebound from a disappointing Rugby Championship.
A week dominated by chatter over the haka after a social media post from England prop Joe Marler has only added extra edge to an enticing fixture. Kick off is at 3.10pm GMT.
