England left kicking themselves after agonising defeat against All Blacks

England left kicking themselves after agonising defeat against All Blacks

New Zealand 16-15 England; first Test in DunedinHillary Shield will now stay in the southern hemisphere

England could theoretically still draw this two-Test series but on a cold night at the bottom of the South Island they were reminded of one of rugby’s oldest truths. If you want to beat New Zealand on Kiwi soil you need to be at your absolute best and an inability to take the majority of your opportunities is invariably going to be fatal.

And while England were gallant, committed and occasionally inspired, they will also look back and know this was a game they ultimately allowed to slip away. In a tight contest three missed kicks from Marcus Smith, one of them from almost bang in front of the posts, permitted New Zealand just enough wriggle room to secure a narrow victory that ensures the Hillary Shield will stay in the southern hemisphere.

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