New Zealand inflicted a short and cruel defeat on England (24-22) on Saturday at Twickenham, at the start of a European tour which will see the All Blacks face the Blues on November 16.
The reigning world vice-champions extended their invincibility against the XV de la Rose, unable to beat them since 2012 in London, and since 2019 counting all of their clashes.
The defeat suffered in west London will probably be difficult to digest for the English, long in front on the scoreboard in the second half, but punished by the opposing talent and their own clumsiness at the end of the game.
Flying half George Ford, who came on in place of Marcus Smith, had an ordeal in defense and against the poles. He first exploded against Mark Telea (76th, 22-24), passing forcefully along the line to score the third and final try for the New Zealanders, the one which took them in front. The Sale opener then missed a penalty, pushed back by the right post (79th), then missed a drop attempt when the 80th minute was over.
Within a few minutes, within a few centimeters, the English would have a prestigious victory against the formidable All Blacks, seven months after having obtained the scalp of Ireland (23-22) here at the Six Nations Tournament.
Another short defeat
Steve Borthwick's team know better than anyone how the outcome of matches hangs by a thread. For several months she has been navigating between encouraging defeats and snatched victories, in all cases offering bursts of pleasure and suspense to her supporters.
She fell on the wrong side of the fence on Saturday, once again, after very short defeats against the All Blacks (16-15) in July in Dunedin, against France (33-31) in Lyon in March and against South Africa (16-15) in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup, a year ago.
Borthwick may perhaps regret having started Ford in place of Marcus Smith, although he was in the spotlight at the opening. Before his replacement, the Harlequins player was successful against the poles, diligent in defense and a driving force in attack, as when he intercepted a ball on the action leading to Chandler Cunningham-South's try (43rd, 19 -14) at the start of the second half.
But opposite, New Zealand also had a very talented opener in the person of Beauden Barrett. This one did a lot of damage, like his inside pass for Will Jordan (28th, 6-14), author of his 36th try in 38 selections.
