England Upsets New Zealand 33-19 for First Win Since 2012

England staged a remarkable comeback to defeat New Zealand 33-19 at Twickenham on November 4, 2023. This victory marks England’s first win over the All Blacks since 2012 and extends their winning streak to ten matches, effectively halting New Zealand’s aspirations for an autumn Grand Slam.

The match began with New Zealand taking an early lead, scoring two tries within the first ten minutes. Both tries came as a result of a disorganized England defense, with Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor capitalizing on the gaps to put their side ahead 12-0. England appeared to be on the back foot, but their fortunes changed as they regrouped.

An impressive run by Ollie Lawrence helped shift the momentum. His powerful surge set up the first of two drop goals from George Ford, closing the gap to just one point by halftime, with the score at 12-11.

As the second half unfolded, England’s confidence surged. They quickly took control with two tries that saw them pull ahead 25-12. The first came from Sam Underhill, followed by a second from Fraser Dingwall, both showcasing England’s improved offensive strategy.

New Zealand responded with a try from Will Jordan, bringing the score to 25-19 and reigniting the tension with 25 minutes still to play. England, however, was not to be outdone. A penalty from Ford extended their lead to eight points, allowing them to breathe a little easier as the clock wound down.

The match concluded with Tom Roebuck sealing the victory, scoring a try just three minutes before the final whistle, following a delightful dribble from Henry Pollock. The crowd erupted in appreciation, celebrating a significant win that not only ended a long wait against a formidable opponent but also served as a testament to England’s resilience and tactical prowess.

This victory at Twickenham is expected to have lasting implications for both teams as they continue to prepare for future competitions. England’s performance demonstrates their capability to recover from early setbacks, while New Zealand will need to reassess their strategies going forward.