The XV de la Rose comes a long way. Led by 19 points ten minutes from the end, England managed to snatch the draw against New Zealand (25-25), whose autumn tour ends on a false note, like of his difficult year.
New Zealand coach Ian Foster thought he could go on holiday with peace of mind when his side extended their lead to 25-6 in the 71st minute thanks to a drop from Beauden Barrett.
The All Blacks were then heading straight for a fourth victory in four matches this fall after successes against Japan (38-31), Wales (55-23) and Scotland (31-23). A no-fault that would have given Ian Foste some respite after coming close to dismissal for an unprecedented series of poor results.
It was without counting on an incredible burst of pride from the English, who after having stumbled for a long time on the New Zealand defense walked on him in the “money time”.
A try from the replacement prop Will Stuart revived hopes on the throw-in of Barrett’s drop, sanctioned on the spot with a yellow card. In numerical superiority, the XV of the Rose, euphoric, suddenly started to play and find spaces on the wings against the All Blacks, undoubtedly the spirit already on vacation.
Two new tries, sumptuous, of the back Freddie Steward and Stuart, author of a double, allowed the players of Eddie Jones to return to height for a draw with the taste of victory. It may not be enough to remove all doubts after the defeat conceded two weeks ago at home against Argentina (30-29) and a failed start to the match on Saturday.
The try that leveled it all up! #ENGvNZL | @primevideosport https://t.co/8gn6I1Lqta
Good start to the All Blacks game
Vexed that their haka was covered by the inevitable chant “Swing low, sweet cart”the New Zealanders quickly silenced the English public after a decisive interception by third row Dalton Papali’i (4th) and a try from hooker Codie Taylor behind a penetrating maul (14-0, 9th).
After a long sprint from center Rieko Ioane, well off after yet another pass on foot, New Zealand thought they had killed the match in the 50th minute, but they will have to wait a little longer to take their revenge for the memorable 2019 World Cup semi-final won by England (19-7).
New Zealand second line Brodie Retallick and England captain Owen Farrell, aligned as first center, should in any case remember their hundredth selection for a long time on Saturday. Not necessarily for the same reasons.
