Damien McKenzie converted two late penalties as New Zealand opened the Scott Robertson era with a narrow win over England in Dunedin on Saturday night.
The All Blacks held their composure in a fierce defensive battle to win 16-15, with both teams scoring two tries to make it eighth straight home win against England since 2003.
After England winger Emmanuel Paye-Waboso scored a try to level the scores at 10-10 at half-time, a huge second-half effort was needed.
The All Blacks struggled to break down a disciplined England defence and failed to create a single scoring opportunity in the second half, but they did manage to score penalties through MacKenzie in the 54th and 65th minutes.
MacKenzie was forced to time out as he attempted a third penalty opportunity just before the end of the game, but England failed to score on the final play.
As the final whistle blew, new All Blacks captain Scott Barrett felt relieved. He admitted the game was uncertain until the very end.
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“I was incredibly proud. It could have gone either way, honestly, but I think we got lucky,” Barrett said. “They turned us around, they had little kicks from behind that turned us around and sometimes they put pressure on us.
“We were a little slow to adapt and took a few penalties to get ahead.”
The All Blacks were back in action just 10 days after the World Cup, with former Canterbury Crusaders mentor Robertson taking over for Ian Foster.
They also lost several experienced players. – Retired or working abroad – After losing the World Cup final to South Africa.
“It was a huge arm wrestling match but I know Steve Borthwick’s team are very good at that,” Robertson said. “It was tough but we got there.”
England showed great unity in their 52-17 win over Japan two weeks ago, but struggled to create scoring chances.
Captain Jamie George says his team will be confident heading into the final Test match in Auckland next Saturday.
“The fact that it’s a one-point game makes next week even more exciting,” George said. “We liked to defend and wanted to put pressure on the All Blacks. We want to build on that next week. It was a close game.”
Neither team managed to lead by more than five points throughout the thrilling match, which was dominated by physicality from collisions and confusion over the decisions of Georgian referee Nika Amashkeli.
England fly-half Marcus Smith missed an early penalty and All Blacks winger Sebu Reece opened the scoring with a try after handling McKenzie’s cross.
The visitors struck back with a close-range effort from Maro Itohe but New Zealand regained the lead when 2023 World Player of the Year Ardi Savea capitalised on a run from full-back Steven Perofetta to score from a corner.
New Zealand were awarded a penalty after half-time, which Smith converted to equalise.
England dominated the opening exchanges after the break and created space for Paye-Waboso to cross from a corner.
England international Joe Marler is doubtful for the second Test at Eden Park after withdrawing early with a foot injury, while All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara did not return after half-time with a knee injury.
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