England’s ambition of issuing a statement of intent ahead of next year’s World Cup was crushed by a losing start to the QBE Series that saw New Zealand depart Twickenham narrow 24-21 winners.
The game slipped from the hosts’ hands after the All Blacks dominated the second half to extend their mastery of the fixture to five successive victories.
While the pre-match attention focused on the debut of serving British Army solider Semesa Rokoduguni, it was his fellow wing Jonny May who brought Twickenham to its feet with a stunning solo try.
May, the fastest player in England’s squad, switched on the afterburners to sprint around Conrad Smith and Israel Dagg as England made a dream start to the first of their autumn internationals.
New Zealand’s response through Aaron Cruden was shrouded in controversy as the fly-half did not appear to ground the ball properly and England were able to reflect on a strong first half they finished 14-11 ahead. But after the interval they were rarely able to escape their half and spent long spells defending waves of All Blacks attacks that were hampered by the driving rain.
Missing seven British and Irish Lions to injury, Stuart Lancaster’s men showed resolve and a refusal to concede defeat until the final whistle was rewarded with a penalty try with seconds remaining.
New Zealand arrived heavy favourites but looked anything but as England raced into the lead after just three minutes. Two missed passes from a line-out created half an opening for May and the lightening-fast Gloucester wing seized his chance by racing around Smith and Dagg to cross in the left corner.
England’s brilliant start continued with May threatening a second try until Dagg intervened and number eight Billy Vunipola being stopped just short of the line on two occasions.
The All Blacks were rattled and but for better hands from Mike Brown their line would have been breached again as Kyle Eastmond sought to exploit an overlap.
By the 10th minute they had composed themselves and ran in a controversial try through Cruden, made possible by Kieran Read’s bullet pass to lock Sam Whitelock.
Cruden appeared to fall short and spill the ball forward before grounding it, but referee Nigel Owens awarded the score immediately instead of referring it to the TMO and replays on the big screen were met with boos.
Farrell landed three penalties for an interval lead trimmed to 14-11 by a Cruden three-pointer.
The advantage lasted only five minutes of the second half when New Zealand expertly exploited a crumbling defence.
Prop Owen Franks punched a hole in midfield before the ball was spun left, with Dagg sending Richie McCaw over for the simplest of tries.
A tight encounter made way for a dominant third quarter from New Zealand, who began to find space with regularity.
It was only a matter of time until England’s line cracked again and it was substitute Charlie Faumuina who drove over after waves of attacks, although England had the final say when Owens gave a penalty try after the All Blacks had pulled down a maul.
