New Zealand v England LIVE rugby: Result as Borthwick’s side suffer heartbreak against All Blacks in thriller

England narrowly missed out on becoming the first side to conquer the All Blacks at Eden Park in 30 years as New Zealand secured a 24-17 victory in Auckland.

The hosts clung on in the final moments to make certain of a 2-0 series victory after their bench made a decisive impact to swing the contest the home side’s way. Beauden Barrett sparked his team into life on the hour, creating a second try for the impressive Mark Tele’a and turning the screw with his intelligent kicking game.

But Steve Borthwick will rue the missed opportunities of a tour that showed the promising future at his side’s fingertips. Having been pipped by a point in Dunedin, England never quite had enough in the final quarter to get over the line in Auckland having seemed in control with Marcus Smith influential from the tee and in open play.

Two crossfield kicks from fly half Smith created tries for both England wings in the first half, but it was not enough to breach the All Blacks’ fortress as the hosts held firm in the final minute. The two sides will tussle again at Twickenham in November.

Re-live all of the action from New Zealand vs England below:

New Zealand vs England - second Test

• All Blacks extend winning run at Eden Park to 49 matches with narrow win in Auckland

• FT: New Zealand 24-17 England

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 18-17 England (Mark Tele’a, 62 minutes)

• HT: New Zealand 13-14 England

• TRY! New Zealand 13-14 ENGLAND (Tommy Freeman, 41 minutes)

• TRY! New Zealand 7-7 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 14 minutes)

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 England (Mark Tele’a, 11 minutes)

• KICK OFF!

England rue missed opportunity as New Zealand extend Eden Park dominance

10:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s hopes of recording a famous win at Eden Park were foiled by a Beauden Barrett-inspired comeback from New Zealand who triumphed 24-17 at their Auckland fortress.

Tries from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman created by the laser-guided boot of Marcus Smith helped Steve Borthwick’s men into a 14-13 half-time lead.

In a cathartic day for Smith, he was 100 per cent from the kicking tee having been wasteful in last Saturday’s 16-15 defeat, as part of a classy all-round display topped by the precise chips to his wings.

England’s fly-half then extended the lead to four points with a penalty but on came Barrett and rattled New Zealand were transformed from a side that were unable to escape the tourists’ stranglehold into a potent force.

Barrett’s super-sub cameo conjured a try for Mark Tele’a, ignited the All Blacks’ attack and produced a series of important inventions.

England had been magnificent until his arrival with second rows Maro Itoje and George Martin and Feyi-Waboso outstanding, aided by the leveller of the hosts’ spectacular line-out malfunction.

But, despite dominating territory and possession in the third quarter, points were elusive and they fell short with an overtime attempt to snatch a draw when a line-out drive that reached the line was penalised.

England rue missed opportunity as New Zealand extend Eden Park dominance

Steve Borthwick on England’s defeat

10:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“The players will be rightly proud of their efforts. The team is progressing, though clearly there is work to do to get to where we want to. We are making steps forward.

“If you look at the game and the two teams, sometimes you can’t buy experience. We are a young side, we are developing really fast, but they’ve got 300 more caps than our team and can bring Beauden Barrett off the bench. You saw the impact he had in both games. We will maximise every learning moment from these games to ensure we are a better team come the autumn series when we are back together.”

New Zealand hold on to extend Eden Park unbeaten run with victory over England

10:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So many positives to take for England in defeat. Maro Itoje and Jamie George both put in huge shifts at the end of colossal seasons that began 13 months ago when Steve Borthwick first assembled his squad to prepare for the World Cup, while Marcus Smith was excellent for an hour to put his side in control. But that is three near misses in succession for Borthwick’s side, admittedly against top teams - work to do on closing out contests before a very tough autumn itinerary that begins with that All Blacks clash on November 2.

Here is Borthwick speaking to Sky...

And All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett speaks to the host broadcaster

10:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I’m hugely proud of the boys for winning the arm-wrestle to finish off a good performance. Test matches certainly challenge your character and we had to dig deep there. Well done to England - they’ve had two strong Tests against us.

“I think it is adapting in game. What works at the start of the game probably doesn’t later in the game, and I thought we adapted well to get our noses in front. You are never comfortable in this environment, so we are looking to build on the last two performances. We’re excited to go to San Diego to play Fiji.”

Jamie George reflects on England’s 2-0 series defeat

10:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It has been a long season for us dating back to the start of the World Cup, and I think we are a significantly better team than when we started. We’ll welcome them back to Twickenham in November and we’re already looking forward to that. I don’t think there is a ceiling on this [England] team. You look at the age demographic, there are guys who are desperate to learn and it’s a huge pleasure to be a part of.

“I love New Zealand. It’s an incredible country to come and tour, I’m used to drama at Eden Park. Huge congratulations to the All Blacks, they are a great team.”

Maro Itoje reacts to England’s defeat

10:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We were not as accurate as we wanted to be,” the lock tells Sky Sports. “We gave away a few too many penalties to give them easy points and easy territory. When you are playing against a good team, you can’t really do that.

“I just think we weren’t accurate so we gave their backfield opportunity to run it back to us. Beauden Barrett and the rest are good players, so you don’t want to give them opportunities. We live, and we learn.

“It’s tough. I think we’ve showed some improvements with the way we’ve played the game, but it wasn’t our day. We are at the start of our journey, we are only going to get better from these experiences.”

FT: New Zealand 24-17 England

10:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Agonising again for England, but the All Blacks simply do not lose at Eden Park! It took the hosts an hour to come properly to the party, New Zealand reliant once more on the impact of their bench to tilt the contest their way. But what impact the replacements made, Beauden Barrett sensational as the hosts’ closer to secure a 2-0 series victory.

FULL TIME: New Zealand 24-17 England

09:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand 24-17 England, 80 minutes

09:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It will be New Zealand’s penalty! A clear obstruction from Ollie Lawrence as he shears away from the stalled maul to re-generate momentum with Jamie George in his boot. George pleads his case but the footage is clear - that will be that. The All Blacks’ 30-year winning run at Eden Park goes on!

New Zealand 24-17 England, 80 minutes

09:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie George picks his target, Maro Itoje taking safely. England try to maul, but New Zealand’s defensive shove is well built.

Or is it! In pour the England backs to edge it closer....but there are All Blacks bodies beneath the ball as George comes to floor!

Is that the end? Perhaps not! Nic Berry wants to check the actions of the New Zealand players to see if it was collapsed, calling in TMO Brett Cronan, who has had nothing to do for 80 minutes but may now decide the outcome...

New Zealand 24-17 England, 79 minutes

09:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stolen by Asafo Aumua! Brilliant jackalling from the replacement hooker two metres from his own line as he wins a vital turnover!

Beauden Barrett boots to touch but Marcus Smith tosses it quickly to himself. England explore left then right, with a penalty coming if they need it. They will, Ben Earl knocking on. A minute to play - this is it.

New Zealand 24-17 England, 77 minutes

09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ollie Sleightholme scorches a trail! Sevu Reece is burned by the replacement England wing, making a very quick All Black appear as if he’s trudging through sludge.

England are awarded a penalty in the All Blacks 22 for a tackle off the ball from Scott Barrett. To the corner in search of the score the tourists need...

New Zealand 24-17 England, 76 minutes

09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off England go in search of a try to square it, but Henry Slade’s kick isn’t quite right, Damian McKenzie scuttling across to cover and booting for touch. Anywhere will do, but that’s a good’un from the fly half, out beyond halfway, from where the visitors will launch again.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 24-17 England (Damian McKenzie, 75 minutes)

09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A kiss off the left-hand upright but it’s safely through. The All Blacks lead by seven as we enter the final five minutes at Eden Park.

New Zealand 21-17 England, 74 minutes

09:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A mighty All Blacks scrum! Fletcher Newell’s ear is covered in claret but the replacement tighthead won’t care, Bevan Rodd folded in by Newell’s shove and penalised.

And that will help New Zealand out, too. Maro Itoje tries to get after Scott Barrett at the lineout, but his reach across as the All Blacks captain comes down is deemed illegal. Alex Coles had infringed, too - three points here from Damian McKenzie’s boot would surely take the prospect of an England win off the table...

New Zealand 21-17 England, 73 minutes

09:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Time ticks away as Nic Berry is forced to reset the scrum twice. Jamie George, who will see out the remainder with Theo Dan failing his HIA, has a calm word with the Australian referee.

New Zealand 21-17 England, 71 minutes

09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Earl punches the air as Bevan Rodd makes a mess of an All Blacks ruck. England’s scrum just inside the New Zealand half after an 11th handling error of the night for the hosts. Scott Robertson takes a nervous gulp of water in the coaches’ box.

New Zealand 21-17 England, 70 minutes

09:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ollie Sleightholme, Bevan Rodd, Fin Smith and Alex Coles are on for England; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Fin Baxter, Marcus Smith and Chandler Cunningham-South off.

In fact, the Harlequins fly half is returning as the Smiths unite - Freddie Steward is off for an HIA so Marcus Smith will go to full-back.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 21-17 England (Damian McKenzie, 69 minutes)

09:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian McKenzie extends New Zealand’s lead.

New Zealand 18-17 England, 67 minutes

09:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand are absolutely on it now. Beauden Barrett so nearly scores something spectacular, twice chipping and chasing but not quite able to collect cleanly under pressure from Freddie Steward. Sevu Reece also menaces in the movement but the All Blacks will settle for a penalty.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 18-17 England (Mark Tele’a, 62 minutes)

09:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beauden Barrett sparks a score and Mark Tele’a has a second!

What an impact the former World Player of the Year has had! This is precisely the role that Scott Robertson has asked the experienced creator to play, a bench role he excelled at the start of his career now one he is mastering again. England never recover from failing to find touch after that lineout on their own five-metre line, short of numbers as the All Blacks sweep around to the left. Damian McKenzie puts it in Barrett’s hands and on to the accelerator he steps, eating up the tarmac like the smoothest of cruisers, V8 purring on an open road.

Draw, pass, and Tele’a gambols with glee. McKenzie can’t quite convert but New Zealand have at last come to life!

New Zealand 13-17 England, 60 minutes

09:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Canny from Jamie George, not chancing a throw even to the middle and instead finding the safe embrace of the massive Chandler Cunningham-South at the front of the lineout. England clear beyond halfway, though back the All Blacks will come through new man Anton Lienert-Brown (on for Rieko Ioane).

New Zealand 13-17 England, 59 minutes

09:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Much more like it from the eldest Barrett brother. Ardie Savea steals a lineout and B Barrett leads the chase, clutching Freddie Steward at the ankles and allowing his team mates to pour into the ruck to earn possession.

The replacement dusts himself down and threads a lovely grubber to the corner off his weaker left peg.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 57 minutes

09:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nine handling errors and ten turnovers coneded already for New Zealand - that sort of inaccuracy is so atypical on home soil. Still plenty of time, of course, for them to overturn this narrow England advantage but the All Blacks have seldom escaped their own half in the last wee while.

Beauden Barrett is on at full-back, though slices his first clearing kick.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 56 minutes

09:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scott Robertson turns to his bench: Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell and Tupou Vaa’i are thrown into the fray for Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax and Patrick Tuipulotu.

The former pair get their first action wrong, pushing too soon at the scrum. England tap the free kick quickly and Marcus Smith cleverly plays a territorial game by prodding into the corner. A pressure lineout for Codie Taylor...but England waste the opportunity to put the pressure on by closing the gap.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 54 minutes

09:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A real nervous energy around Eden Park with the All Blacks yet to get out of second gear since returning from the interval. We are so used to seeing the New Zealand team of old kick on at this stage - but has this side got it in them?

The noise lifts as Mark Tele’a intercepts Marcus Smith and sets off in pursuit of a second score. Alas, advantage was not close to over from a knock-on from Ardie Savea.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 53 minutes

09:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A change at scrum half for New Zealand. Finlay Christie limps off which means a debut for Cortez Ratima.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 53 minutes

09:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hmm. Up go appealing England hands as Mark Tele’a rushes up on Marcus Smith and sends the ball spilling to the floor, denying the fly half the chance to make optimal use of a three-man overlap. Was that deliberate or just in the tackle? The latter, the officials conclude - clever from Tele’a, just about keeping his challenge on the right side of the law while extending a blocking left arm.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 51 minutes

09:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dan, thankfully, seems relatively ok having initially been poleaxed but Jamie George may well have to go 80 minutes here.

England just about survive the scrum but are then short of numbers on their right defensive edge, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso doing well to get back to Mark Tele’a before the wing can chip ahead past the last defender.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 50 minutes

09:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Theo Dan is on, too, but the hooker is down almost immediately, taking a nasty knee to the head as an All Black carries. Jamie George’s leave is short-lived - the England captain returns having not even taken a seat on the bench with Dan rightly going for a head injury assessment at least.

New Zealand 13-17 England, 50 minutes

09:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Changes for England. Tom Curry replaces fellow Kamikaze Kid Sam Underhill on the openside, while Dan Cole surpasses Jason Leonard as the second most-capped male England player of all time as Will Stuart takes leave. Only podcast partner Ben Youngs ahead of him now.

PENALTY! New Zealand 13-17 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith, 49 minutes)

09:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Marcus Smith capitalises from the tee to extend England’s advantage.

New Zealand 13-14 England, 48 minutes

09:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scott Barrett seems rather confused as referee Nic Berry awards a penalty to the All Blacks before immediately reversing it having got a call from his official. Ooh, that seems slightly soft, Dalton Papali’i with a slight nudge into Henry Slade to send the centre tumbling over the ruck, the sort of collision that happens all of the time but penalised here as it left England short of a cleanout man.

New Zealand 13-14 England, 46 minutes

09:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Frustrating for England. Ollie Lawrence makes initial metres with a powerful surge, but the intelligent injection of the busy Mark Tele’a into the defensive line salvages the situation for New Zealand, the wing’s inquisitive limbs interrogating Jamie George and drawing a slip of the tongue from the England captain. Knocked on seven metres from the All Blacks’ line - a chance missed.

New Zealand 13-14 England, 44 minutes

09:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second penalty against New Zealand in quick succession, Rieko Ioane shooting a quizzical look at one of Nic Berry’s assistants after being pinged for offside.

Henry Slade’s raking left boot sends England down into the hosts’ 22.

New Zealand 13-14 England, 43 minutes

09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Freddie Steward roams like a Saturday morning rambler but finds the bridleway blocked by Ethan de Groot’s burl. Steward is bumped on to his bottom by the big prop.

Into a kicking battle. Jordie Barrett hares after a hoist but tackles Marcus Smith in the air.

Second half...

09:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Might the All Blacks go to Beauden Barrett early to try to solidify their backfield? He was excellent off the bench last week to steady things in the second half. For England, meanwhile, Sam Underhill had a bit of blood on his face at teh end of the first half, but is back out there with extra strapping for the start of the second.

A reminder that the hosts have not been beaten here since 1994. England are 40 minutes from ending that unbeaten run at 48 matches.

Back underway at Eden Park!

HT: New Zealand 13-14 England

09:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks will feel confident they can turn the screw at scrum time at some stage, but both teams have struggled for clean lineout ball with Maro Itoje and Scott Barrett to the fore as defensive jumpers. It’s been a brilliant contest between those two both at the set-piece and in open play, two of the finest, most complete tight forwards in the world right at the top of their game.

HT: New Zealand 13-14 England

08:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well well well. The All Blacks were one defensive set away from going down the tunnel relatively content with their half, but that Tommy Freeman gather and grounding has rather changed the complexion. The tourists would have been fearful when Mark Tele’a scurried over early on, but they’ve stayed in the fight, capitalising on some All Blacks profligacy to strike twice on the back of Marcus Smith’s deadly, delicate boot - can they hold on to pull off a famous win?

HALF TIME: New Zealand 13-14 England

08:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! New Zealand 13-14 ENGLAND (Tommy Freeman, 41 minutes)

08:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A magnificent leap and Tommy Freeman scores!

The crossfield kick brings joy for England again! Marcus Smith, with a penalty in his pocket, stands one up for his big wing, reared a full-back of course and so good aerially. Freeman times his gather and jump superbly, clearing Mark Tele’a by a distance as he takes like a commanding goalkeeper above his head. Down he comes within flopping distance of the line - and the final kick of the half from Smith’s converting boot pushes England into a one-point lead!

New Zealand 13-7 England, 39 minutes

08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks mishandle the restart, Maro Itoje again at the centre of things as the irrepressible lock ploughs on despite having played more than the minutes permitted of players in a single season by the RPA.

Alex Mitchell’s kick isn’t quite right, though. Damian McKenzie dots it down as it crosses the tryline and the All Blacks clear from a goal line drop out.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 13-7 England (Damian McKenzie, 38 minutes)

08:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian McKenzie slots his second penalty, watching the shot clock closely after last week’s error.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 36 minutes

08:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into the final five minutes of a half that has been scrappy and sloppy in places but immensely watchable. Marcus Smith fancies a scamper from deep but is well held by Dalton Papali’i, and then again by Codie Taylor as he jinks and jives inside his own half.

The All Blacks win the kicking exchange that follows.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 34 minutes

08:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Funky feet from Rieko Ioane to beat a couple out on the left, but Maro Itoje shoots out of the line to make a tackle after Finlay Christie dallies and dithers at the base. That’s poor from the lock, though, failing to vacate the ruck space and thus meaning he scuppers Ben Earl’s excellent jackal - penalty to New Zealand and down into England’s 22 the forwards march.

Itoje atones! What a half he’s having, pilfering possession at the lineout with Codie Taylor struggling to hit the board at the oche.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 32 minutes

08:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England have found solidity at that set piece, Fin Baxter and Will Stuart anchoring well. A knock-on in the tackle from Dalton Papali’i will give them a chance to do it all again five yards further infield.

Straight and true once more and England will try to play away. Or not! Superb from Finlay Christie, jumping on the back of Ben Earl before the England number eight can launch away and winning his side a penalty.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 30 minutes

08:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The lineout is a brilliant battle so far. Scott Barrett gets his contest wrong on halfway, penalised for jumping across, but then makes a complete mess of England’s attempt to throw to the tail having booted the penalty down to the All Blacks 22. It did travel forwards off the New Zealand captain’s fingers, though, and England will have the scrum.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 27 minutes

08:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Freddie Steward has been busy as a carrier so far, injecting himself often up from full-back to use his size to win the gain line. An untimely slip prevents him making progress in a wider channel, though, as England battle for momentum in the All Blacks half.

That’s better! Ollie Lawrence hits an angle at pace and wins the gain line. A grubber through looks aimless but Jordie Barrett slips as he tries to collect, forcing a hurried clearance from Finlay Christie.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 22 minutes

08:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit of luck for England as Maro Itoje connects with Patrick Tuipulotu before the hoisted lineout forward comes to deck. It goes unspotted by the officials, and thus is excellent spoiling work once more from the talismanic lock. England’s scrum deep in All Blacks territory.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 10-7 England (Damian McKenzie, 21 minutes)

08:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks fly half nudges his side in front.

New Zealand 7-7 England, 20 minutes

08:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks again explode the England scrum. Penalty advantage, which Damian McKenzie’s misdirected crosskick can’t quite capitalise upon.

In fact, England infringed twice in the movement: offside, too. Jamie George is called over for a chat by referee Nic Berry as McKenzie calls on the tee.

New Zealand 7-7 England, 18 minutes

08:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Extraordinary defence from Marcus Smith as New Zealand butcher a certain score!

My oh my, how the All Blacks may rue that! Damian McKenzie sparks an attacking adventure up the left that should see Mark Tele’a canter to the line from the edge of the 22, but Freddie Steward cornerflags superbly to cut down the wing’s space. He seeks an infield offload with too many waiting but Smith produces a remarkable recovery burst to nip in, and deny what looked a try for all money!

A rare moment of profligacy from the All Blacks.

New Zealand 7-7 England, 18 minutes

08:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are varying their kicking game. Marcus Smith cleverly uses the outside of his boot to find the touchline just short of the home 22. Taylor just about arcs his throw to Samipeni Finau at the tail with George Martin’s pinching paws not far away.

New Zealand 7-7 England, 16 minutes

08:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another lineout misfire from Codie Taylor, with England disruptive in that area so far. Maro Itoje is just so smart with how he targets the jumpers, while Chandler Cunningham-South’s long limbs are becoming a rather useful weapon, too.

TRY! New Zealand 7-7 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 14 minutes)

08:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An instant reply!

How about that for a response from England! New Zeland get their defensive shape wrong after a shallow Damian McKenzie clearance, opening room on the right. Marcus Smith finds it with a beautifully judged crossfield kick, landing in the hands of an onrushing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The breakthrough star of the season gathers as he gallops, clearing the final fence with aplomb to leave both McKenzie and Mark Tele’a clutching only Auckland air. Smith pops over the extra two - what a start at Eden Park!

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 England (Mark Tele’a, 11 minutes)

08:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Mark Tele’a tightropes the touchline for a try!

Clinical from the All Blacks! It was Ardie Savea’s initial carry that did the damage, threshing and thrashing as he sent would-be tacklers away up the middle. Rieko Ioane’s rumble is equally effective, sucking in England’s edge defence to create room for Tele’a to pick and dart off the deck.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scrambles across but can’t drag the slippery wing into touch - try time New Zealand, and a full seven points courtesy of Damian McKenzie’s conversion.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 7 minutes

08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lovely stuff from Marcus Smith, watching a kick roll into his own in-goal area and then shimmying by a couple of chasers to create space for a decent clearance. England then make a mess of Ardie Savea’s lineout transfer to earn a scrum near halfway.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 6 minutes

08:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scintillating from the All Blacks but England somehow survive! A knock on from Freddie Steward in the air grants Damian McKenzie freedom to reach into his toolbox and pull out a delicate little chip, the fly half collecting himself and connecting with Jordie Barrett. Codie Taylor is there in support of his centre, showing off good toe for a veteran hooker but hauled down just inside the England 22. He hurls an offload in the direction of Sevu Reece, but doesn’t quite find the requisite power, Reece knocking on at his shoelaces with open acreage in front of him and line in sight!

New Zealand 0-0 England, 5 minutes

08:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down go the two sets of eight for the opening scrum skirmish, the All Blacks on top and forcing Ben Earl to scramble at the base. England just about survive with possession.

Will Stuart carries and Marcus Smith drops into the pocket, an ambitious drop goal struck nastily. The All Blacks look to play from deep! Real energy to this encounter so far.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 2 minutes

08:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian McKenzie turns Freddie Steward, the full-back fored to scramble back to five metres from his own line. He is corralled by Sevu Reece but England somehow extricate themselves, Ben Earl dashing up the left touchline and prodding ahead. A breakdown penalty against the visitors gives everyone a chance to draw breath and the All Blacks an opportunity to gain territory.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 1 minute

08:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A fine take from All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett as the opening kick off lands in his general vicinity, allowing New Zealand to clear. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso runs it back with interest but Chandler Cunningham-South is belted back by Finlay Christie et al. to earn New Zealand a turnover.

KICK OFF!

08:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nic Berry blasts on his whistle, Marcus Smith hoists into the Auckland night - the second Test is underway at Eden Park!

New Zealand vs England

Friday 12 July 2024 11:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the second Test between New Zealand and England in Auckland.

The All Blacks secured a narrow, nervy victory in Dunedin last week to take a 1-0 lead in this two-match series, and now return to a venue where they haven’t been beaten in 30 years.

England, then, are up against it as they bid to square affairs in Auckland, but Steve Borthwick’s side will have been encouraged by how they limited their hosts in the first Test and will be full of belief that they can pull off a famous victory.

Kick-off at Eden Park is at 8.05am BST.