The All Blacks maintained their 30-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park, edging a brave English side 24-17. The win secured the series 2-0 for the All Blacks, marking Scott Robertson’s reign in winning style.
The hosts looked sharp early on, with Sevu Reece sending Codie Taylor away with the line open. The All Blacks turned their dominance into points at the 10-minute mark, thanks to a strong run from Savea.
England struck back immediately, with Marcus Smith sending a perfect cross for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. McKenzie broke free down the left flank and linked with Telea, who had an interplay between Telea and Stephen Perofeta.
However, Smith intercepted the final pass, and the All Blacks butchered a certain try. McKenzie duly converted the penalty to put his side back in front.
England enjoyed an extended stint in possession, but mistakes cost them, leading to a push and shove on the New Zealand 22. With halftime looming, Mckenzie slotted it through the sticks to extend the lead to six.
However, the Kiwis could not control the restart, giving England a shot to steal the lead heading to the sheds. Tommy Freeman soared above Telea to score the extras, and England went into the break ahead 14-13.
A reversed penalty gave England the first shot at points in the second, pushing the lead to four. Prop Theo Dan hit the deck after copping a knee to the head, while Barrett replaced Perofeta and Samipeni Finau made way for Luke Jacobson. Cortez Ratima became the first new All Blacks under Robertson.
The All Blacks found themselves in a tough spot, struggling to break out of their own half. However, a crucial lineout steal by Ardie Savea finally pushed them back upfield.
With Anton-Lienert Brown replacing Ioane at center, Barrett found a gap and linked with Telea to put the All Blacks back in the lead.
With a penalty right in front, the All Blacks extended their lead to four with 12 minutes left. They won a crucial scrum penalty on halfway and pushed into the England corner.
Another England infringement led to McKenzie’s fourth penalty, which extended the lead to seven and secured the win for the All Blacks.
Scorers
New Zealand 24 (Telea 2, tries, McKenzie 1 cons, 4 pens)
England 17 (Feyi-Waboso, Freeman. tries, Smith 2 cons, 1 pens)
Click to read more about Rugby
