England produced a stirring comeback at Twickenham on Saturday, overturning a 12-0 deficit to beat New Zealand 33-19 and end the All Blacks’ Grand Slam hopes. It was their first home victory over the visitors since 2012 and only their third win in the last 22 meetings.
Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor crossed early to give New Zealand a commanding lead, but Ollie Lawrence’s powerful try and two George Ford drop goals cut the margin to a single point at halftime.
England seized control after the break. Sam Underhill and Fraser Dingwall both scored to push the hosts ahead 25-12, before Will Jordan replied for the All Blacks. Ford added a crucial penalty and Tom Roebuck sealed the win with a late fourth try, sparking celebrations in the stands.
The victory was England’s first over New Zealand since the 2019 World Cup semi-final in Japan. Unlike last year’s narrow defeats, when they faded after the hour mark, Steve Borthwick’s side kept pressing until the final whistle, attacking with pace and invention that left the All Blacks short of answers.
Ford, preferred to Fin Smith at flyhalf, delivered a polished display in his 104th cap, earning man-of-the-match honours. “We went 12-0 down and came back well,” he said. “We had to work a few things out and the boys did that really well. We’re big on staying calm and composed.”
England now aim to complete a clean sweep of their autumn internationals against Argentina next Sunday, while New Zealand head to Wales with their Grand Slam bid over.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett admitted his side had been outplayed: “England ground their way back into the game. George Ford had a blinder and they took their opportunities. We created enough, we just didn’t get enough points.”