New Zealand 16-15 England: All Blacks narrowly win First Test - LIVE!

6 Jul 2024

England suffered a heartbreaking defeat by one point in their first Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin. Despite Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try putting them in the lead, two late penalties from Damian McKenzie secured a 16-15 victory for New Zealand. This was the All Blacks' first game of 2024 and their first match under new head coach Scott Robertson.

England Rugby - Figure 1 — Photo Evening Standard

In a packed Forsyth Barr Stadium with the roof closed, New Zealand started strong with a try from wing Sevu Reece. Ardie Savea, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, also scored a try after Maro Itoje responded for England with a close-range try. The two fly-halves had trouble with their kicking, as Marcus Smith only made two of his five kicks, while McKenzie also struggled.

The summer series between New Zealand and England will come to an end next weekend at Auckland's Eden Park. The All Blacks have maintained a winning streak at Eden Park for the past 30 years. On the other hand, England has yet to defeat the All Blacks on New Zealand's turf since 2003. Stay updated on the live reactions and follow the New Zealand vs England match below!

All the best moments from the New Zealand vs England match

England will be disappointed with their narrow defeat, but they can take pride in their outstanding and determined performance.

Marcus Smith's failed kicks will definitely be a major topic of discussion, but Damian McKenzie also missed two conversions and ran out of time on a late penalty kick attempt.

There wasn't a lot of excitement or physicality in the game, but Test matches at this level are often decided by small differences.

England showed strong defense, but they struggled to make significant progress in their offensive plays and with their kicking game.

No matter what people say about the current All Blacks team, facing them in New Zealand is always a difficult challenge.

England Rugby - Figure 2 — Photo Evening Standard

However, there is a lingering sense that England may have missed their greatest opportunity to finally defeat the All Blacks on New Zealand soil after 21 years.

England continues to wait for their third ever Test win against the All Blacks in New Zealand, extending the wait for another week.

Next, the second and last match of the two-game summer series will take place at Auckland's Eden Park in a week. The All Blacks have not lost at this venue since 1994, which is quite impressive.

New Zealand Defeats England 16-15

New Zealand Beats England 16-15

81 minutes have passed and England's hopes are dashed as Henry Slade is tackled by Tupou Vaa'i.

Dalton Papali'i quickly got into the breakdown and secured a crucial penalty that ultimately sealed the match as time ran out.

The relieved All Blacks just need to kick the ball out of bounds and wait for the final whistle to blow.

New Zealand Beats England 16-15

79 minutes into the game and England makes a strategic kick towards the sideline in the All Black's territory. This is a crucial moment for the England team.

NZL 16-15 ENG: Rugby Showdown In New Zealand

Damian McKenzie spends too much time setting up for the kick and runs out of time on the shot clock.

How significant is that?!

England is in possession of the scrum with only a minute left to play.

New Zealand Beats England 16-15

After 77 minutes, England is struggling to gain possession of the ball while New Zealand is putting pressure on them with a penalty advantage.

George Furbank tackles Mark Telea following a nice kick by Damian McKenzie.

After some time, we return for the penalty kick, which McKenzie aims to score in order to increase the All Black's lead to four points with only a few minutes remaining.