New Zealand knock out England to claim second win

Auckland's fortress was shaken but Beauden Barrett came to the rescue. Leading England until the 61st minute, the All Blacks dominated England (24-17) thanks to the decisive entry of the elder Barrett.

England dominated early on, conceding the first try, scored by Mark Tilea (11th) after the first caution on the restart from McKenzie (7th). The New Zealand winger showed his damage when he saw a small space on the short side five metres from the goal line and flirted with the touchline to score the first try. A penalty that served as a wake-up call for England and Marcus Smith, immediately decisive in Freeman's attempt to get back into the score (14th).

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England believed it.

A perfect cross and a duel from the England winger put the sides level. Damian McKenzie would pass two penalties before the pattern was repeated with Freeman's second try and Smith's second pass for a second try before the break (40', 13-14).

Despite McKenzie's inspiration, the Blacks were constrained by inaccuracy which did not allow them to produce long sequences. They were made difficult by the English defence, investing very little in the 22 metres. The English won above all the kicking battle by bringing the players back to their camp thanks to the foot of Marcus Smith and also took advantage of the difficulties the Blacks had to get out of their camp. With three more points scored by Smith (50th) XV de la Rose were four points ahead. This was before Beauden Barrett (56th).

Beauden Barrett changed everything.

In ten minutes, the former world player of the year (2016, 2017) transformed his team and above all allowed the Blacks to win. Doubly decisive with a cross at the foot and a perfect hold after a 40-meter run, on the second attempt of Telia (61) at the end of the line, he brought control and serenity to the All Blacks as when he intervened at 22 meters after a low pressure play mistake by the English (65).

As if revitalised by Barrett's entry, the All Blacks were once again dominant and strong at key moments by winning a penalty on an opposing team 40 metres from their own line (73). As a symbol, it was he who again proved decisive by preventing an English attempt to blow the siren that would have denied the Blacks victory.

With this success, the All Blacks maintain their immunity in Auckland (30 years since the defeat to France in 1994) and, above all, provide their coach Scott Robertson with a positive foundation to work on. They face Fiji next week in the final match of the season.

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