The All Blacks won their first season test by one point, repeating the 28-27 score from the last time the two sides played in Dunedin in 2014.
The All Blacks’ power game paid off when using their big forwards, led by captain Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, and their substitutes Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Fletcher Newell.
The All Blacks’ attempt to piece together continuity was marred by hesitancy and a lack of coordination. However, their power game with the big forwards was effective, with key contributions from captain and lock Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, and Tyrel Lomax.
The early scrum exchanges were chaotic. The All Blacks demonstrated their power in one scrum, winning a penalty. On the other hand, England secured a penalty and a free kick from their scrums. Marcus Smith missed a comfortable penalty goal chance.
The All Blacks scored their first try after Tuipulotu capped good work with wing Mark Tele’a and fullback Stephen Perofeta. McKenzie put a crosskick to Reece’s wing, who crossed in the 15th minute to mark his return to Test play.
England responded with a try in the 20th minute when lock Maro Itoje picked up and drove over the line after flanker Chandler Cunningham-South was brought down just short of the line.
Both sides tried to move the ball at speed, but both defenses held, and a penalty was conceded. England gained early momentum in the second half through strong carries from Cunningham-South, lock George Martin, and flanker Sam Underhill.
The win gave new coach Scott Robertson the result he wanted, but the team will be looking to improve as they head into the second test in Auckland next week.
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