England vs New Zealand LIVE!
England were left to rue yet another close-run defeat by New Zealand on Saturday. George Ford saw a late penalty crash back off the post before sending a last-gasp drop-goal attempt wide as Steve Borthwick’s side were ultimately edged out in a dramatic finale by a rousing All Blacks comeback, with Damian McKenzie notching a crucial penalty and then converting Mark Tele’a’s second try of the afternoon as the visitors held on to triumph 24-22 at Twickenham.
It is the third narrow loss that England have had against New Zealand this year and by far the most galling after back-to-back close defeats on their summer tour, and came after they had led by eight points heading into the final 20 minutes after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s converted breakaway try that followed a Marcus Smith intercept and a fifth successful penalty from England’s accurate fly-half. The All Blacks had led 14-12 at the break, with Smith’s boot keeping England in touch amid stylish tries from Tele’a and Will Jordan.
Before the game, England’s players walked together to the halfway line in their response to an electric New Zealand haka that came after Joe Marler had apologised for the controversy caused when he said the pre-match tradition should be “binned”. England will have to shrug off their latest slender loss to powerhouse opposition as Australia come to town next weekend, while New Zealand have a blockbuster showdown with Ireland in Dublin on Friday night. Follow England vs New Zealand reaction live below, including analysis from Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham.
England vs New Zealand highlights
- Ford hits post with penalty before missing last-gasp drop goal
- McKenzie penalty has All Blacks back within five late
- Smith slots over another penalty after Beauden Barrett try chalked off
- TRY! Feyi-Waboso gives England lead after Smith intercept
- Four Smith penalties have England in touch at the break
- TRY! Stylish Jordan score extends All Blacks lead
- TRY! Sititi sets up Tele'a with brilliant offload
Borthwick defends Smith change after costly late Ford misses
19:26 , George FloodSteve Borthwick defended his decision to bring off Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith as England kicked off their Autumn Nations Series campaign with an agonising defeat by New Zealand, writes Simon Collings at Twickenham.
England had looked on course to secure a first win over the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012, but eventually fell to a 24-22 loss after a dramatic finish.
Borthwick’s side had been eight points clear going into the final 20 minutes of the game after a faultless kicking display from Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try, teed up by a Smith intercept and break.
Fly-half Smith was taken off shortly after that, though, and scrum-half Spencer was also substituted.
England vs New Zealand match report
18:47 , George FloodWith England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning heroes in attendance and parading the trophy at half-time, it felt like the script was written for George Ford to win this game with a drop goal.
As the clocked ticked into the red, New Zealand held a narrow 24-22 lead and Ford nestled in the pocket as he looked for the three points that would secure England a first victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012.
It was agony and heartbreak for Ford, though, as his attempt slid past the post and the New Zealand players celebrated wildly.
Ford was England’s hero at the World Cup last year, dismantling Argentina with drop goals, but on this occasion it wasn’t to be.
Read Simon Collings’ full match report here
England player ratings
18:45 , George FloodReplacements
Dan Cole (Stuart 53’) 5
Struggled at scrum time, as did Fin Baxter.
Fin Baxter (Genge 53’) 5
Had a great summer tour to New Zealand, but endured a tough afternoon here. England lost control of the scrum.
Theo Dan (George 53’) 7
One of England’s better replacements. Carried the ball well and was lively in the loose.
Harry Randall (Spencer 60’) 5
Tried to inject some pace at the breakdown, but England lost control of the game.
Ben Curry (Curry 60’) 7
Immediately won a penalty at the breakdown moments after coming on.
George Ford (Smith 63’) 5
Caught out wide against Tele’a and could not stop him going over late on.
Hit the post with a late penalty, which would have won England the game, and also put a last-gasp drop-goal attempt wide.
Alex Dombrandt (Cunningham-South 66’) 6
Put in a few big hits as England defended late on.
Nick Isiekwe (Lawrence 77’) N/A
England player ratings
18:43Forwards
Ellis Genge 6
Caught out on the wing for New Zealand’s opening try when he had an utter mismatch up against Tele’a.
Jamie George 6
Steady stuff from the England captain, both in the set-piece and loose. Off for the final 30 minutes as England turned to Theo Dan.
Will Stuart 6
A solid performance from the prop, especially at scrum time. Helped England enjoy dominance there in the first half.
Maro Itoje 8
Opened New Zealand up with a great pick-and-go from the base of a ruck. Typically everywhere and was excellent in the lineout.
George Martin 6
Went under the radar alongside Itoje, but he put in a good shift. Carried well when called upon.
Chandler Cunningham-South 8
Put in a huge hit on Tupou Vaa’i and tried to whip the crowd up. Summed up his performance - a tackling machine.
Tom Curry 7
Got through so much defensive work during a tireless performance. So vital to England at the breakdown.
Ben Earl 7
Tasked with doing plenty of carrying and stepped up to the plate. Starting to flourish as England’s number eight.
England player ratings
18:41 , George FloodBacks
George Furbank 7
Had a fairly quiet game, but ran a great support line for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try, following Marcus Smith after he intercepted the ball.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 8
Finished off a great move that started with Smith intercepting the ball. Lively all game, coming off his wing and hunting for possession.
Henry Slade 7
Had played just 55 minutes of rugby this season, but you wouldn’t know it. Such a solid performer. No wonder Borthwick rushed him back.
Ollie Lawrence 6
The quieter of England’s two centres. Not involved much in an attacking sense, but he was solid defensively.
Tommy Freeman 6
Did not have masses of ball, but was bright on the occasion he got it. Tested early on under the high ball, but recovered well.
Marcus Smith 8 | Player of the match
Faultless from the tee, nailing all six of his kicks at goal. Created England’s try with a brilliant interception and break. A majestic display.
Ben Spencer 6
Handed his first Test start in the absence of Alex Mitchell. Caught out at the base of a ruck and had a kick charged down, but settled after that.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Absolutely gutting for George Ford.
Too harsh to question if England should have kept Marcus Smith on there?
England 22-24 New Zealand
17:12 , George FloodFull-time
Simply devastating for England.
The set-up pass for Ford was just a bit too high and it threw him off, that missed by quite a lot in the end.
A third narrow Test defeat for England against the All Blacks this year, and the most gutting by a long distance.
England 22-24 New Zealand
17:10 , George Flood80 mins: Not the tidiest from England but their forwards are now battering against the line with Ford awaiting the drop-goal attempt, as long as New Zealand don’t give away a penalty.
Here it comes... IT’S WIDE RIGHT! THE FINAL WHISTLE SOUNDS AND NEW ZEALAND WIN!
WOW. INCREDIBLE LAST-GASP DRAMA AT TWICKENHAM!
England 22-24 New Zealand
17:08 , George Flood78 mins: England have a kickable penalty with Lienert-Brown in the sin bin... but Ford hits the post with the game on the line! Wow.
It comes back out and England have a scrum with 90 seconds to go!
Incredible drama at Twickenham.
England 22-24 New Zealand
17:07Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Wow. How on earth has Tele’a got that down? Remarkable.
TRY! England 22-24 New Zealand | Mark Tele'a 76'
17:0376 mins: Baxter with a great hit to drive New Zealand back, but they reset quickly and work the ball out right.
Jordan feeds Tele’a, with Ford going too high with the tackle as the All Blacks wing spins him and then also shrugs off Spencer to somehow get the ball down in the corner.
What a try. Huge, huge pressure on this tough McKenzie kick with the score now level, but he makes it!
New Zealand lead 24-22 with three minutes to go.
Are England going to suffer another heartbreaking late defeat to the All Blacks here?
England 22-17 New Zealand
17:0074 mins: Tele’a came back on for New Zealand due to a HIA, with the likes of Lienert-Brown and Tu'ungafasi also on.
So many players in the wars now with Dan receiving treatment on his hand and blood pouring down Cole’s face.
New Zealand have a penalty in front of the posts. Are they going for the scrum?
England 22-17 New Zealand
16:59 , George Flood72 mins: England are seriously under the pump here with relentless, physical All Blacks pressure as they inch closer and closer.
A huge test for the English defence...
England 22-17 New Zealand
16:55 , George Flood70 mins: Into the final 10 minutes as New Zealand win a huge and timely scrum penalty with England’s front row turned around.
Can England hold on here? This is truly nail-biting stuff at Twickenham...
PENALTY! England 22-17 New Zealand | Damian McKenzie 67'
16:52 , George Flood67 mins: McKenzie quickly reduces the deficit to five points after Earl is whistled for a no-arms tackle on Pasilio Tosi.
A grandstand finish ahead at Twickenham...
England 22-14 New Zealand
16:51 , George Flood65 mins: Roigard and McKenzie on for New Zealand as they go with a new half-back pairing.
England 22-14 New Zealand
16:50 , George Flood65 mins: The benches are emptying now for a pivotal last quarter of an hour at Twickenham.
Randall, Ford and Dombrandt have replaced Spencer, Smith and Cunningham-South, who gets a hearty cheer from this Twickenham crowd in awe at his hard-hitting.
England 22-14 New Zealand
16:46 , George Flood63 mins: Ben Curry is off the bench in place of identical twin brother Tom and makes an immediate impact as his fine breakdown work earns England a penalty following Smith’s admirable tackle on the excellent Sititi.
PENALTY! England 22-14 New Zealand | Marcus Smith 60'
16:42 , George Flood60 mins: Five from five from the tee for Smith!
England lead by eight points with 20 minutes remaining.
The All Blacks have it all to do here...
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:41 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Huge cheers as the TMO intervenes in England’s favour. New Zealand not happy and voicing their opinions. Feels a huge moment in the match.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:4159 mins: NO TRY!
It is indeed a clear and deliberate knock-on, but it’s just a penalty for England as Beauden Barrett’s score is rightly chalked off.
England point to the posts with this penalty as they attempt to extend their lead beyond a converted try with a quarter of the game to go.
No yellow for Clarke.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:3959 mins: Beauden Barrett is in to score for New Zealand, but this surely won’t count after what looked like a very deliberate knock-on from Clarke to deflect Freeman’s pass in the build-up.
The on-field decision from Angus Gardner is try, but there’s no way this won’t be changed after a TMO review.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:37 , George Flood58 mins: New Zealand are pinged for an early engagement at the scrum and England go with the rare ‘Garryowen’ kick with the penalty.
Smith’s high drop-kick deflects off the hands of the All Blacks defender before hitting the elbow of Slade as he looks to gather and go over.
So, so close!
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:35 , George Flood56 mins: Jordan looks to break through out of his own 22 for New Zealand, with Slade struggling but helped out by a superb effort from Tom Curry.
England end up with the scrum and Curry roars in celebration. So much emotion out there.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:34 , George Flood55 mins: England take in their second successive lineout but it’s excellent defensive nous from the All Blacks to immediately halt the driving maul and end up with the put-in at the scrum.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:33 , George Flood53 mins: Beautiful recovery work from Feyi-Waboso and a peach of a 50:22 kick from Smith gives England more impetus and a lineout on the edge of the All Blacks 22.
Tuipulotu has been excellent since coming on though and gets up above Itoje to deflect it straight back out.
England have changed their entire front row, by the way. Genge, George and Stuart replaced by Baxter, Dan and Cole.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:30 , George Flood50 mins: New Zealand have a penalty at the breakdown and kick to touch, but they can’t take in their own lineout.
Sloppy.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:26 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
A wonderful moment of s***housery there. New Zealand wing Clarke lost his boot in the tackle. Smith spotted it - and lobbed it 30 yards away.
England 19-14 New Zealand
16:26 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Stunning from Marcus Smith. The break was one thing, but the awareness and ability to keep his head was superb, too.
Twickenham has lift off.
TRY! England 19-14 New Zealand | Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 45'
16:24 , George Flood45 mins: Wow - talk about an injection of momentum!
New Zealand are pressing before Smith intercepts a Ratima pass intended for Williams.
The England fly-half is away and eventually offloads to Furbank, who pops off for the speedy Feyi-Waboso to race in and touch down the hosts’ first try of the game.
Superb. Smith converts to stay perfect from the tee and England suddenly lead by five!
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:22 , George Flood42 mins: An early second-half change in the second row from New Zealand, with Vaa’i replaced by Tuipulotu.
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:17Back underway at Twickenham! A massive second half ahead.
No changes from either side at the break. I don’t think Taylor came back for the All Blacks after that early HIA, so it’s still Aumua at hooker.
But Ioane did come back in for Lienert-Brown after having his hand patched up.
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:15 , George FloodSo a mostly scrappy first half at Twickenham after that electric haka, England holding their own against the All Blacks again but struggling to create too much in attack.
Two really nice tries from New Zealand, featuring the moment of the match so far as flanker Wallace Sititi produced the most gorgeous offload from the back of the hand to release Mark Tele’a.
And Will Jordan just can’t stop scoring.
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:08 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
A woeful drop-goal try from Marcus Smith to end the half.
Sums up England's half attack-wise, really. Not been able to create.
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:02 , George FloodHalf-time
New Zealand with a narrow two-point lead at the interval thanks to those stylish tries from Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan, both converted by Beauden Barrett.
But England are still well in this after four penalties from the boot of Marcus Smith.
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:01 , George Flood42 mins: A disappointing end to the half for England as they lose the lineout.
They manage to regather just about, but they’ve lost all that momentum and a scruffy last-gasp drop-goal attempt from Smith - his second of the half - is offline.
England 12-14 New Zealand
16:0040 mins: The scrum takes three goes to get set properly before Earl attacks from the base and Clarke helps the ball into touch.
One last attacking chance coming up for England, who drive well off the lineout and have a penalty advantage.
Vaa’i is pinged for coming in at the side and the left-footed Slade is going to try and get this as far down into touch as he can down that right flank.
It’s just outside the 22 with the clock in the red...
England 12-14 New Zealand
15:56 , George Flood38 mins: A thrilling passage of play there as Freeman almost connects with a loose ball in one half after Jordan’s error, until New Zealand counter with panache through another strong run from the excellent Sititi.
He just overcooks a pass out left to Vaa’i, who can’t bring it in and it’s spilled forward for an England scrum.
A huge let-off.
PENALTY! England 12-14 New Zealand | Marcus Smith 36'
15:54 , George Flood35 mins: He makes it! Superb kick.
The New Zealand lead is down to two points with four minutes remaining until half-time.
England 9-14 New Zealand
15:53 , George Flood34 mins: Cunningham-South’s monster tackle from the blindside is followed by a timely scrum penalty won by England.
This is right on the edge of Smith’s kicking range, but he’s going to go for it...
England 9-14 New Zealand
15:52 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Cunningham-South's huge hit there getting an "oooooh" from the Twickenham crowd as the replay plays out on the big screens.
England 9-14 New Zealand
15:52 , George Flood32 mins: Another absolutely massive hit from Cunningham-South on All Blacks lock Vaa'i energises this struggling England defence and the Twickenham crowd.
Hopefully the little boost they need to start turning this around...
PENALTY! England 9-14 New Zealand | Marcus Smith 31'
15:49 , George Flood31 mins: Yet another New Zealand tackle off the ball, this time from Cane.
The referee now warns All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett that any more of those will lead to a yellow card.
England opt for the points rather than kicking to the corner, and Smith obliges from the tee.
They move to within five.
England 6-14 New Zealand
15:47 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Brilliant play from Barrett, but questions, again, about the England defence. That looked all too easy for Jordan to cut through them.
TRY! England 6-14 New Zealand | Will Jordan 28'
15:45 , George Flood28 mins: Absolutely devastating from the All Blacks, who produce a stunning attacking move as Beauden Barrett sweeps around and pops off to the fleet-footed Jordan, who runs a brilliant line with Genge isolated again for England.
There’s no catching him as he streaks away for the second New Zealand try of this first half.
Beauden Barrett steps up to add another conversion. The All Blacks lead is up to eight points after almost half an hour.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:43 , George Flood26 mins: Earl with a one-man blitz there that leaves a huge hole for Sititi to exploit and allow New Zealand to escape their own 22.
Here comes more All Blacks pressure as Furbank spills before regathering.
England feeling the pace a bit...
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:41 , George Flood24 mins: Feyi-Waboso gets absolutely crunched after a speedy break.
Cunningham-South then responds in kind with a melting hit of his own as the sheer physicality steps up a notch at Twickenham.
It’s all a bit messy still as Ratima ends up putting boot to ball in an attempt to release Jordan, but Smith is there again and New Zealand are again whistled for being off their feet.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:38 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
The game is struggling to get into any real flow. England just need a foothold and the chance to string a few more phases together.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:37 , George Flood21 mins: A fast attack from England as Itoje pops it up off the deck quickly to Spencer, who turns on the jets down the left but he can’t stop from straying out into touch.
A flash of pacey intent from England there. They need more of it.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:36 , George Flood20 mins: Beauden Barrett suddenly sends New Zealand away, but England’s defence stands firm as Smith holds on doggedly.
The All Blacks are whistled for an infringement at the ruck and England will relieve the pressure.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:3418 mins: A huge early win for Stuart at scrum time.
I think there’s a bit of wind at Twickenham this evening with touch being missed all over the place.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:33 , George Flood16 mins: A vital intervention from Lawrence there to make the tackle and get a hand to a breaking Ioane’s attempted offload through to the dangerous Jordan.
That could have been a huge chance for the All Blacks.
Ioane has an issue with his hand here, it’s split open and bleeding and he goes down the tunnel to have it fixed.
Presumably it’ll be Lienert-Brown on for now in the All Blacks midfield.
England 6-7 New Zealand
15:29 , George Flood15 mins: England are doing their best defensively at the moment to slow New Zealand ball as much as possible and keep a lid on their explosive attack.
We’ve had a couple of scrums and an unfortunate error from Spencer.
PENALTY! England 6-7 New Zealand | Marcus Smith 13'
15:26 , George Flood13 mins: No mistake again from the tee from Smith.
England back to within a point after a lively start at Twickenham.
England 3-7 New Zealand
15:25 , George Flood11 mins: Really undisciplined from New Zealand in defence here as England look to sustain some attacking pressure again in the 22.
It’s another off-the-ball tackle as Earl made hard yards, this time from replacement hooker Aumua on Smith.
It’s a warning from referee Angus Gardner.
England 3-7 New Zealand
15:24 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Outrageous piece of skill from Sititi there, out the back of the hand and straight to Tele’a.
The All Blacks’ first foray into England's 22 and they are so clinical.
TRY! England 3-7 New Zealand | Mark Tele'a 9'
15:22 , George Flood9 mins: The All Blacks register the first try of the afternoon inside 10 minutes!
It’s an absolutely filthy offload from Sititi to release Tele’a, with Furbank crucially sucked in to leave Genge no match in a footrace with the prolific All Blacks winger.
Five tries in seven now for Tele’a. Beauden Barrett slots over the conversion.
England need to respond...
England 3-0 New Zealand
15:20 , George Flood8 mins: Questions being asked of England’s defence now and the All Blacks have a penalty for offside.
England 3-0 New Zealand
15:19 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
That'll settle Marcus Smith's nerves. He had said in the build-up to this week how he went "missing" in the first Test against the All Blacks this summer, missing three shots at goal.
England 3-0 New Zealand
15:18 , George Flood6 mins: Codie Taylor is off for a head injury assessment.
Asafo Aumua is on early at hooker for New Zealand.
PENALTY! England 3-0 New Zealand | Marcus Smith 5'
15:17 , George Flood4 mins: Itoje punches through a gap after a period of sustained England pressure and Jordie Barrett ends up being whistled for an off-the-ball tackle on Cunningham-South.
Smith steps up to slot over the first points of the autumn from the tee.
England 0-0 New Zealand
15:15 , George Flood3 mins: Both teams are testing each other with cross-field balls before England get it moving between the hands and set up camp in the All Blacks 22.
Can they get some early points on the board?
England 0-0 New Zealand
15:131 min: It didn’t take England long to try what should be the first of plenty cross-field kicks this afternoon as Smith aims to pick out Feyi-Waboso, who is bundled into touch down the right flank.
England vs New Zealand
15:11Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
England advanced to the halfway line as the All Blacks performed the haka - which is the most they can do without receiving a fine.
If they had crossed it, like they did in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals, they'd have been punished.
England vs New Zealand
15:09 , George FloodEngland advance in a straight line to the halfway line during the haka as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” belts out around Twickenham.
Spine-tingling stuff from the All Blacks.
Challenge accepted! What a game this should be...
England vs New Zealand
15:07 , George FloodHere comes the haka.
How will England respond?
England vs New Zealand
15:05 , George FloodHere come the teams at a raucous Twickenham!
The players line up for the national anthems, with God Defend New Zealand to be followed by God Save the King.
Then it’ll be time for the haka.
Joe Marler explaining himself to All Blacks boss Scott Robertson with the haka looming at Twickenham...
How will England respond to the haka?
14:47 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at Twickenham
Plenty of talk on the way in among fans about the haka. What are England going to do?
Few fans seem keen for a strong response, which will certainly help the atmosphere.
Simon Collings' pre-match thoughts from Twickenham
14:43 , George FloodHere are Simon’s pre-match thoughts from Twickenham, where it feels like England are in need of a statement win this afternoon...
🗣️ "It feels like England need a statement victory."@sr_collings looks ahead to today's massive showdown at Twickenham as the hosts aim for revenge after their pair of narrow summer Test losses in New Zealand
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) November 2, 2024
LIVE: https://t.co/avPmnDB2U6#ENGvNZL | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/mX0bjr0hvY
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings is in place at Twickenham...
In place at Twickenham for England v New Zealand.
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) November 2, 2024
Live updates on @standardsport pic.twitter.com/g91xN35a90
Scott Robertson: Dropped De Groot 'didn't meet internal standards'
14:32 , George FloodThe dropping of Ethan de Groot has been an interesting subplot for the All Blacks ahead of their trip to Twickenham today.
The Highlanders prop has been New Zealand’s starting loosehead for a while now, but is clearly not impressing behind the scenes.
“Ethan didn’t meet internal standards,” head coach Scott Robertson said this week.
Pressed for more information, he added: “Just the internal standards.
“In general he didn’t meet them, so he’s not available for selection this week.”
It will be interesting to see if this issue lingers or if De Groot will be handed a reprieve in a massive showdown with Ireland in Dublin on Friday night.
He was also omitted from New Zealand duty by former head coach Ian Foster back in 2022 due to what were described as issues with his fitness and work rate.
Jamie George: England have addressed mistakes from the summer
14:17It was also fascinating to listen to Jamie George pinpoint exactly what ultimately went wrong for England in the summer, when they followed up their thrashing of an experimental Japan side with two agonising close Test losses to New Zealand in which they led for long stretches in both.
"Fundamentally the big takeaway from the series was that we fell into the momentum of the game and allowed ourselves to be dictated to by New Zealand. They controlled the last 20 minutes of both Tests actually," George said.
"We probably just went with the motion rather than continuing to play big and put our game on the field and attack them.
"If you sit back against any team, especially one of the quality of the All Blacks, you are always going to struggle. That was clear.
"It's been addressed and a huge learning curve for a young and exciting team. We'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
Jamie George urges England team-mates to show their emotion
14:03 , George FloodAfter so many painful near-misses against top-level opposition over the last year from South Africa in the World Cup semi-finals to France in the Six Nations and New Zealand over the summer, Jamie George is determined that England finally get over the line with more huge challenges awaiting this autumn.
He also wants his team-mates not to be afraid to show the emotion, passion and pride of representing their country when they take to the pitch in the weeks ahead.
"We'll continue to build but ultimately the best way to create a connection with the fans is by winning and that is very much our intention over the next four weeks," he said.
"The last time we were at Allianz Stadium was Ireland and that's a game and an atmosphere that I will remember forever.
"For that match we used a lot of emotion around different elements of the game for different reasons to fuel us - and that was something we did really well.
"The emotional side is often something that I'm speaking to the boys about, telling them 'don't be afraid to show it. Don't be afraid to show how much it means to play for England'. For me, that is an instant connection.
"Sometimes there are natural reservations because you're on TV and can't give too much away.
"As a fan, I wanted to see a reflection of myself in that England rugby team, and enjoyment and passion and pride is something I always relate to.
"What I hope is that the fans coming to the game or watching in the pub are aware of how far we've come, how much it means.
"We're out there representing the whole country and that's the thing we have spoken about this week. As long as I am involved in this team I want people to be very aware of that."
All business as the England squad arrived at Twickenham to a warm reception from the waiting crowd earlier this afternoon...
Full focus 🎧@ContiUK pic.twitter.com/WoM8nZjoc1
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 2, 2024
Stage set at Twickenham
13:41The calm ahead of the inevitable storm at Twickenham, now Allianz Stadium Twickenham of course after a long-term sponsorship deal agreed between the RFU and the insurance company back in August.
That will take some getting used to!
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Ellis Genge: England's haka response should be respectful
13:29After the controversy caused by Joe Marler, it would perhaps be a surprise to see England present much of a challenge to the haka at Twickenham this afternoon - lest they be accused of worsening the disrespect.
Speaking on Friday, prop Ellis Genge - one of Jamie George’s four vice-captains along with Maro Itoje, Ben Earl and George Ford - said the players had yet to decide how they would respond.
World Rugby rules prevent teams from leaving their own half while the haka is being performed, with England fined for their V formation ahead of the 2019 World Cup semi-final in Yokohama.
"We'll chat about it later on, we've got a meeting and we'll see what the craic is," Genge said.
"We're not going to start climbing on each other's shoulders, but we'll sit there respectfully and watch it.
"I've only faced it once [in 2022]. It's massive in the history of the game. Most people who aren't necessarily too interested in rugby still know what the haka is.
"It's a massive part of rugby in general. I know some people are divided on it but I quite like it. It's a bit of a challenge. I'm a big fan of it.
"Are you not allowed to advance towards it anyway? I don't know the ruling on it. It's a good part of the game and I don't think we should get rid of it.
"I think you should be able to respond but everyone is respectful when they do. I don't think we have seen anyone take the Michael, so to speak.
"I quite like the impact it has, but it's a challenge isn't it? Obviously we want Twickenham on their feet regardless of whether there's a haka or not. I'm sure they will impact it in their own way."
Jamie George: Joe Marler has 'prodded the bear' with haka criticism
13:18Joe Marler’s England team-mates have not backed his views on the haka, with the likes of captain Jamie George and Ellis Genge reinforcing their admiration and respect for the tradition.
George admitted that his front-row colleague - who left the squad earlier this week for personal reasons to place his availability for the rest of the autumn series in doubt - had likely “prodded the bear”.
“It’s classic Joe, if I’m honest,” said George.
“He’s always been a little bit close to the line with certain social media posts. It’s not unhelpful.
“It’s a conversation that Joe and I actually had the week before; thoughts on it, what can we do back to it. I guess he’s sort of prodded the bear a little bit.
“We’ve chatted a little bit this week and I just said, ‘cheers mate, thanks very much’.”
Scott Barrett: Joe Marler has 'loaded the gun' with haka comments
13:01 , George FloodScott Robertson was very diplomatic when quizzed about the Joe Marler furore, admitting that the latter could have “chosen his words better” and insisting the New Zealand team would discuss how to handle it respectfully.
And while Scott Barrett insists that the All Blacks do not need any more motivation for a huge game such as this, the New Zealand captain admitted that Marler had “loaded the gun”.
"He has probably loaded the gun hasn't he?" Barrett said on Friday.
"I guess there are always opinions about the haka and its place. It's hugely important to us and has been to the All Blacks for a long time - we get a lot from it.
"It's been a huge part of the All Blacks. It's bigger than rugby in a sense.
“You speak to people from America and lesser-known rugby nations and they know rugby in New Zealand for the haka, so it is huge for us and unites us."
Joe Marler causes storm by calling for haka to be 'binned'
12:52 , George FloodEngland prop Joe Marler certainly set the cat among the pigeons this week with his ill-advised attempts to create a bit of drama around this fixture, having tweeted that New Zealand’s traditional pre-match haka was “ridiculous” and “needs binning”.
He added: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”
Marler’s comments caused a quick storm and understandably didn’t go down well in New Zealand.
The Harlequins stalwart initially deactivated his X account before later reactivating it to add: “Context is everything. Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses. Big Love x”
He also said: “Also needed to satisfy my narcissism.”
The saga has rumbled on and on this week, with Marler eventually apologising on Thursday.
“Hey rugby fans,” he wrote. “Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week.
“I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned, just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction.
“How good were the Cockerill/Hewitt, Campese, France ‘07, Tokyo ‘19 or Samoa vs England rugby league responses? Create some entertaining drama before kick off.
“My flippant attempt at sparking a debate around it was s***house and I should have done better at explaining things.
“I’m grateful for the education received on how important the Haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too.
“Now roll on 3pm on Saturday for a mega rugby occasion. England by 6pts. I’ll get back in my attention seeking box now. Big Love x”
New Zealand team news: De Groot dropped as all three Barretts start
12:39 , George FloodFor the All Blacks, loosehead prop Ethan de Groot has been dropped after head coach Scott Robertson said rather cryptically that he had not “met internal standards”.
Tamaiti Williams starts there instead backed up by Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
There are 11 changes in total from the experimental New Zealand side who thrashed Japan 64-19 in Yokohama last weekend, scoring 10 tries in total including seven in the first half.
Only Williams, back-rowers Wallace Sititi - who moves to flanker with Ardie Savea at number eight - and Sam Cane retain their starting spots, along with wing Mark Tele’a.
Otherwise it’s all change, with all three Barrett brothers starting - Scott the captain, Beauden at fly-half instead of Damian McKenzie and the Leinster-bound Jordie lining up in the centres, having recovered from a knee injury suffered against Australia in September.
Cortez Ratima gets the nod at scrum-half ahead of the fit-again Cam Roigard with no TJ Perenara.
England team news: Slade, Spencer and Curry all start
12:30Henry Slade starts in a familiar backline for England today despite being limited to just 55 minutes of club rugby for Exeter so far this season following shoulder surgery.
Ben Spencer gets the nod over Harry Randall at scrum-half with Alex Mitchell sidelined with a neck injury, making his first senior international start aged 32.
In the back row, Tom Curry starts for the first time since last year’s World Cup having now fully recovered from hip surgery, but there’s no place for Sam Underhill after his ankle issues.
Tom Curry’s identical twin brother Ben is on the bench as Steve Borthwick names a 6-2 split, with George Ford added to the squad last week after missing the summer tour through injury.
Only two backs on the bench including one scrum-half means that number eight Ben Earl will help provide midfield cover after his experimental cameo there against Japan in the summer.
England vs New Zealand prediction
12:18 , George FloodEngland gave a terrific account of themselves in New Zealand over the summer, more than matching an All Blacks team in transition for long periods and leading against them for long stretches in both Tests.
Steve Borthwick understandably spoke of their performances with a mixture of pride and frustration, pleased that they had gone toe to toe with their mighty hosts in their own backyard - including at Eden Park, where New Zealand incredibly have not lost since 1994 - but no doubt with the nagging sense that his team had let likely their best chance to end that long wait for victory in New Zealand slip agonisingly through their grasp.
Still, those gritty displays in Dunedin and Auckland should give England real confidence that they are capable of achieving just a third home win over the All Blacks in 22 years, though they need to improve their execution in terms of those critical fine margins.
Time will tell what impact the recent coaching upheaval has had on this group, as well as how much impetus the All Blacks have been given by Joe Marler’s ill-advised tweeting, but if they can keep up that spirited effort from the summer and feed off the Twickenham atmosphere then they may well get their rewards in another true nail-biter that goes right down to the wire.
England to win, by three points.
New Zealand lineup
12:16 , George FloodNew Zealand XV: Jordan; Tele'a, Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke; B Barrett, Ratima; Williams, Taylor, Lomax; S Barrett (c), Vaa'i; Sititi, Cane, Savea
Replacements: Aumua, Tu'ungafasi, Tosi, Tuipulotu, Finau, Roigard, Lienert-Brown, McKenzie
England lineup
12:16 , George FloodEngland XV: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Spencer; Genge, George (c), Stuart; Itoje, Martin; Cunningham-South, T Curry, Earl
Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Cole, Isiekwe, B Curry, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford
How to watch England vs New Zealand
12:14 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, England vs New Zealand is being shown live today on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 3pm GMT.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also follow the action live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
England vs New Zealand live
12:13 , George FloodGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of England vs New Zealand.
The 2024 Autumn Nations series begins today with a blockbuster showdown at the newly-renamed and sponsored Allianz Stadium Twickenham, with these two sides renewing hostilities after two dramatic summer Tests in New Zealand in which the All Blacks fought back in both to claim narrow victories and extend their long winning streak on home soil against England to beyond 21 years.
Steve Borthwick’s side will be hopeful of inflicting revenge on what remains an All Blacks team in transition under Scott Robertson having failed to reclaim the Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2019 since then, but they have been disrupted by recent coaching upheaval and the huge haka controversy caused this week by Joe Marler’s tweeting that has given New Zealand extra incentive for this one.
Kick-off today is at 3:10pm GMT, so stick with us for all your match build-up, team news, lineups and thoughts from both camps, plus live minute-by-minute updates from the game itself.
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings will also be on hand to provide analysis from what should be another epic occasion at Twickenham.
