New Zealand battle to beat England at Eden Park

New Zealand continue their unbeaten run at Eden Park in Auckland, thirty years after their last defeat to France on July 3, 1994. On this Saturday, against England, the All Blacks fought for a long time before making the difference in the last 20 minutes (24-17). The English had one last chance in the last second, but Beauden Barrett, who changed the course of the game by coming on (50), saved New Zealand again. The All Blacks win this round against England, after their painful success last week (16-15).

The New Zealand team dominated the first 20 minutes, and initially appeared to be in complete control of the match. Their superiority in the closed group allowed them to undermine the English defence, as happened with the first try, which was concluded by Mark Tilea (10th), after a long series of play (7-0).

England had not won in New Zealand for 21 years, but over the two games they would have struggled to reach the World Cup finals. Realistically, XV de la Rose went into the dressing room with a one-point lead (13-14). The reason? Two pinpoint penalties, converted by Marcus Smith on his right wing, taken by Emmanuel Faye Waboso (14th) and then Tommy Freeman (40th).

Beauden Barrett is decisive

But if the All Blacks’ last defeat at Eden Park was on July 3, 1994, against a France XV, it was not for nothing. Even if the resilient Auckland fans were terrified, especially when they saw their players return from the dressing room without a solution for 20 minutes, coach Scott Robertson’s strong selection changed everything. The signing of the 2016 and 2017 World Player of the Year, Beauden Barrett (33 years old).

Decisive in Mark Tilea's brace to restore the advantage to his team (62nd), thanks to a decisive shot that the All Blacks had missed until then, Barrett was also the saviour at the last second, preventing Jamie George from falling behind a powerful strike (80th), before Nick Perry blew the final whistle from the penalty spot against XV de la Rose, signalling the end of this stifling encounter.

Barrett's partnership with Damian McKenzie, the author of Saturday's strong performance (14 points), has given New Zealand new hope of beating the English who may regret it. The All Blacks are playing their 51st match without defeat at Eden Park in Auckland.