New Zealand edge England in Twickenham thriller
by The 42, https://www.thejournal.ie/author/the-42/ · TheJournal.ieThe 42
NEW ZEALAND DEFEATED England 24-22 in a dramatic finish to their November international at Twickenham on Saturday.
England led 22-14 with 13 minutes left but replacement fly-half Damian McKenzie and wing Mark Telea’s second try of the match helped give New Zealand a two-point lead.
But England substitute fly-half George Ford, who had hit the post with a 79th-minute penalty — his first goal-kick of the game — missed what would have been a winning drop-goal with the last kick of the match in stoppage time.
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Defeat in their November international opener was yet another frustrating loss for England, with Steve Borthwick’s men beaten in several close games since the start of the 2023 World Cup — including 16-15 and 24-17 losses in New Zealand in July.
Saturday’s reverse was particularly tough on fly-half Marcus Smith, who kicked 17 points and grabbed the interception that that led to England’s lone try through wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Ireland welcome New Zealand to the Aviva Stadium next Friday.
Written by AFP and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.