Rugby: England went a long way against New Zealand

With a 19-point lead ten minutes from the end, England came back from nowhere on Saturday at Twickenham to snatch a draw against New Zealand (25-25), whose autumn tour ends on a false note, reflecting his difficult year.

New Zealand manager Ian Foster thought he could go on vacation with peace of mind when his team extended their lead to 25-6 in the 71st minute thanks to a touchdown from Beauden Barrett.

The All Blacks were then heading straight for a fourth win in four games this fall with wins over Japan (38-31), Wales (55-23) and Scotland (31-23). It’s a mistake that would have given him some relief after coming close to dismissal for an unprecedented string of poor results.

It was without counting on the incredible pride of the English, who after faltering for a long time the New Zealand defense marched on it in ‘money time’.

A try from substitute prop Will Stewart revived hopes for a throw-in by Barrett, who was promptly punished with a yellow card.

– Oil leak from starter –

Outnumbered, the XV of the Rose, elated, suddenly started playing and finding spaces on the flanks against the All Blacks, no doubt Spirit on vacation already.

Two new attempts, deluxe, for running back Freddie Steward and Stewart, a double author, allowed Eddie Jones’ players to bounce back on the high for the equalizer with a taste of victory.

It may not be enough to remove all doubts after the defeat two weeks ago at home to Argentina (30-29) and a botched start to the match on Saturday.

Alarmed that the Haka was covered by the inevitable chant of “low swing, sweet cart”, the New Zealanders quickly silenced the English crowd after a crucial interception by third-row Dalton Papalei (fourth) and an attempt by hooker Cody Taylor behind a penetrating strike (14- 0, 9).

After a long run from center Rico Ewan, and out of the way after another pass on foot, New Zealand thought they had killed the game in the fiftieth minute, but they’ll have to wait a bit longer for revenge for a memorable 2019 World Cup. In the semi-finals it was won by England (19-7).

New Zealand’s Brodie Retalik and England captain Owen Farrell, who lined up at number one, should be remembered for their 100th selection for a long time on Saturday. Not necessarily for the same reasons.