England take on All Blacks in Autumn Nations Series opener - live
England and New Zealand are set to open the Autumn Nations Series with an exciting match at the newly renamed Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick's team suffered close losses in both matches during their July tour, and they are eager to get back at the All Blacks, who are still finding their footing under new head coach Scott Robertson. This long-standing rivalry has been intensified this week due to some awkward remarks made by England prop Joe Marler, who proposed on social media that the traditional pre-match haka should be "thrown out." Marler, who departed from the team camp on Monday for personal reasons not connected to this situation, has since issued an apology following substantial backlash.
In the lead-up to this important match for both teams, the focus has largely been on the haka discussion. England has made significant progress this year, but they’ve faced some recent changes in their coaching staff. Meanwhile, Borthwick has highlighted the importance of finishing games off well, as they have lost three of their last four matches by narrow margins.
The spectators, feeling let down by the Rugby Championship, witnessed South Africa demonstrating a potential shift in the dominance of rugby. They will be eager to prove themselves once again as one of the leading teams in the world in the coming weeks.
Stay updated with all the action from the opening match of the Autumn Nations Series in our live blog below:
Autumn Nations Series: Watch Every Rugby Test
As previously noted, November is quite busy with the Autumn Nations Series taking place over five weeks. Below is the complete schedule along with details on how to catch every match:
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, 1:00 PM
Maro Itoje: Lions, Leadership, And Politics Insights
Maro Itoje often shines on occasions like this, as he eclipses the impressive record of Martin Johnson today. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with the thoughtful and engaging England lock in Girona. We discussed topics such as leadership, the possibility of a third Lions tour, and his interest in pursuing a career in politics.
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, 12:45 PM
Rebuilding The All Blacks: Restoring Rugby’s Legacy
For New Zealand, their 2-0 series victory against their rivals marks the highlight of their year to date, despite encountering some challenges under the leadership of Scott "Razor" Robertson. Have the All Blacks lost their legendary status?
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, at 12:30 PM.
Coaching Changes: A Crucial Autumn For Borthwick
Everything that's happened recently has taken the focus away from the crucial first Test of the autumn. For Steve Borthwick, the past few months haven't gone as well as he had hoped. He's been shaken by the exits of Aled Walters, the strength and conditioning expert who is now with Andy Farrell's team in Ireland, and defence coach Felix Jones, who is currently in a 12-month notice period and is analyzing from a distance. After several close calls throughout the year, this November is especially important.
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, at 12:15 PM.
Joe Marler Apologizes To NZ Fans Over Haka Comments
On Thursday evening, Marler expressed his apologies to All Blacks supporters for his remarks, while maintaining his stance that the opposing team should have the opportunity to react to the haka.
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM
Jamie George Worries Joe Marler Provoked NZ
England captain Jamie George, on the other hand, had a different view than his longtime teammate and hinted that Joe Marler might have "stirred the pot."
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, at 11:50 AM
All Blacks Respond To Joe Marler's Haka Critique
On Thursday, the All Blacks responded, with head coach Scott Robertson detailing the significance of the traditional Maori pre-game challenge for New Zealand.
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, 11:40 AM
Joe Marler Defends Haka Comments Before Match
Let’s walk you through the events surrounding the haka that took place this week. Joe Marler departed from the England training camp on Monday for personal reasons, but it was on Tuesday evening that he ignited some controversy with an awkward remark he made on social media.
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 2, 2024, at 11:30 AM
England Vs. All Blacks: Live Updates!
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the England vs New Zealand match as the Autumn Nations Series gets underway with excitement at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
One of the most eagerly awaited matches in rugby kicks off a packed November of international games, as the top teams from the Southern Hemisphere take on their rivals from the Six Nations. Steve Borthwick's team suffered a 2-0 defeat during their tour of New Zealand last July and will be looking to make amends against an All Blacks squad eager to bounce back after a less-than-stellar Rugby Championship.
A week filled with discussions about the haka, sparked by a social media message from England's prop Joe Marler, has intensified the excitement for this thrilling match. The game will start at 3:10 PM GMT.
Harry Latham-Coyle, November 1, 2024, 07:46 AM
