England and New Zealand kick off the Autumn Nations Series with a marquee clash at the renamed Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick’s side were beaten narrowly in both Tests on their July tour, and will be out for revenge against an All Blacks side still adjusting to life under head coach Scott Robertson. A storied rivalry has been given extra edge this week by clumsy comments from England prop Joe Marler, who suggested the traditional pre-match haka needed “binning” on social media. Marler, who left camp on Monday for unrelated personal reasons, has since apologised after significant criticism.
The haka chat has dominated the build-up to a crucial clash for both sides. England have taken huge strides this year but have endured recent coaching upheaval, while Borthwick has emphasised the need to finish games strongly after losing three of their last four fixtures by fine margins.
The visitors, meanwhile, disappointed in the Rugby Championship as South Africa further showed how the balance of rugby power may be shifting, and will want to re-establish themselves as one of the world’s top sides in the next few weeks.
Follow all the latest from the Autumn Nations Series opener in our live blog below:
England vs All Blacks live updates
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England take on New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener | Live on TNT Sports
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Steve Borthwick’s side face a crucial autumn with clashes to come against Australia, South Africa and Japan
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The All Blacks beat England 2-0 during the summer Test series but endured a difficult Rugby Championship
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28’ TRY! Neat Barrett pass sends Jordan over for the score (ENG 6-14 NZ)
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10’ – TRY! Tele’a exploits Genge mismatch to go over in the corner (ENG 3-7 NZ)
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Joe Marler caused controversy this week by saying the haka should be ‘binned’
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England step forward to greet haka ahead of the game
England 12-14 New Zealand, 43 mins
16:20 , Luke Baker
A change for New Zealand in the second row as Patrick Tuipulotu comes on for Tupou Vaa’i. Replacements could decide this match.
We footle about with a scrum for a little while and a couple of resets (what else is new…) before NZ eventually hold firm and run from their own half. Great tackle by Freeman on Jordan and the All Blacks suddenly back into their own 22 and Barrett boots to touch.
England have made good territory though.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 42 mins
16:18 , Luke Baker
More from Harry Latham-Coyle on the ground
England have loaded up with six forwards on the bench – when will Steve Borthwick use them? While that unit will bring fresh energy, you fear that there might be a significant quality drop-off in the back five of the pack with the way that Ben Earl, Chandler-Cunningham South and co. are playing.
KICK-OFF! England 12-14 New Zealand
16:17 , Luke Baker
Back underway at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. A big 40 minutes coming up.
WATCH! England 12-14 New Zealand – first-half highlights
16:06 , Luke Baker
Here are some of the best bits from the first half.
HALF-TIME! England 12-14 New Zealand
16:02 , Luke Baker
A compelling first half with tries from Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan for the All Blacks but the boot of Marcus Smith has kept England in touch. They’ll need to show more in attack to win this Test match though, you feel.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 40 mins
16:01 , Luke Baker
A last chance for England before half-time as Clarke blocks a kick ahead into touch. Lineout near halfway for the hosts…
Martin claims it in the air and England win a penalty from the maul. Slade boots the ball just outside the 22, another lineout and this one is scrappy but Feyi-Waboso claims the loose ball and takes it up to the 22.
Smith drops into the pocket, goes for the drop goal but it’s an ugly attempt, well short. And that’s half-time.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 39 mins
15:58 , Luke Baker
Our man on the ground, Harry Latham-Coyle, has been impressed by Wallace Sititi
Wallace Sititi is quite something to watch in the flesh. Rangy and full of free spirit, he moves a lot like a cutting basketball small forward, subtly changing direction as he surges into the paint. He should, really, have held on to that ball there and allowed his teammate to resource the ruck and go again – but that was a glimpse of his serious talent.
England 12-14 New Zealand, 38 mins
15:57 , Luke Baker
Oh wow! That could be a key moment. England almost break as Earl hacks ahead from a loose ball but Barrett gets a foot to it and it bounces up for Wallace Sititi.
From there, it’s incredible by the All Blacks flanker as he slides through a gap and then shows brilliant footwork to dance around George Martin and barrel into the England half. He throws a long pass to Vaa’i and if it goes to hand, then it’s a run-in but it’s an inch too far in front of the lock and bounces off his hand to hit the deck.
A huge let-off for England! Credit to Feyi-Waboso who threw himself at Sititi and maybe put him off as he was throwing the pass.
PENALTY! England 12-14 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 36 mins)
15:53 , Luke Baker
And now a penalty from the scrum for England! Their second of the day and it’s more fist pumps. The scrum struggled in New Zealand in the summer, so this is an impressive turnaround.
Dead central, so Marcus Smith goes for the posts even from long range. No mistake! The ball sails through and the boot of Smith is keeping England in touch.
England 9-14 New Zealand, 34 mins
15:52 , Luke Baker
Nice handling by the All Blacks in midfield between Sititi and Barrett. Huge hit by Cunningham-South on Tupou Vaa’i, the ball knocked on and that gets the Twickenham crowd on their feet. He celebrates with the crowd.
A dominant tackle if ever there was one and England need to build from this scrum just inside the NZ half.
PENALTY! England 9-14 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 31 mins)
15:48 , Luke Baker
The penalty is fairly central, midway between the 22 and the halfway line. England opt to go for the points to just stay in touch and Marcus Smith slots the ball between the uprights
England 6-14 New Zealand, 30 mins
15:47 , Luke Baker
A TMO review clocks that Sam Cane tackles Chandler Cunningham-South off the ball and it’s an England penalty. The third time NZ have tackled off the ball and the referee warns them that it could be a yellow card next time.
England will go for the posts again
TRY! England 6-14 New Zealand (Will Jordan, 28 mins)
15:43 , Luke Baker
England caught out and New Zealand score again. Will Jordan with a lovely finish.
It’s Genge again who gets stuck in a mismatch, Beauden Barrett wraps around on the left as he’s fed by Ratima and then flicks the ball to Jordan running back inside. Genge has over-committed, Jordan slips past his inside shoulder and arcs in for the try. His 36th in just 38 Tests.
Another great kick by Barrett from near the touchline adds the extra two and New Zealand in control here.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 27 mins
15:42 , Luke Baker
All Blacks running from their own 22 again. Sititi makes 25 metres before Genge brings him down. Tele’a kicks ahead and a moment of panic from Furbank as he covers across the 22 and spills the ball initially but scrambles to jump on it and England can box-kick clear through Spencer.
This is a very fun Test match so far
England 6-7 New Zealand, 25 mins
15:41 , Luke Baker
Neat footwork from Feyi-Waboso to leave Clarke for dead on the 22 but the England winger then gets crunched in the tackle by Asafo Aumua and stays down. Winces from the Twickenham crowd.
Things getting frantic now. Jordie Barrett breaks from his own 22, Tom Curry is blocked trying to get to him but the referee doesn’t spot it. Suddenly NZ are down in the England 22 but again they’re pinged for going off their feet at the ruck.
It’s starting to sizzle in southwest London.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 23 mins
15:38 , Luke Baker
Latest from Harry Latham-Coyle at Twickenham
World Rugby are putting a stricter focus on “escorting” in this autumn series, attempting to prevent retreating players blocking chasers from having clear access to someone settling under a high ball. It is having a clear impact in this first half, with Will Jordan thumped by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso a few moments ago. It should lead to more contested kicks and, ultimately, a more open game.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 22 mins
15:37 , Luke Baker
Almos a chance out of nothing as Beauden Barrett kicks ahead, gathers the ball and then grubbers again. Marcus Smith scrambles back in the 22 to claim the ball and NZ counter-ruck but they’re too eager – Ratima pinged for not supporting his bodyweight.
England secure the lineout, then a break by Itoje, who is carrying really well today. Neat offload to Spencer but the scrum half just drifts towards the left touchline and his grubber ahead can’t stay infield.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 18 mins
15:34 , Luke Baker
Big roar round Twickenham as Will Stuart wins the scrum penalty, with New Zealand pinged for collapsing. Great work by the England tighthead against the monstruous Tamaiti Williams.
England may have lost defence coach Felix Jones but the blitz defence appears to be here to stay under Joe El-Abd, great pressing to knock the All Blacks backwards.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 17 mins
15:32 , Luke Baker
Decent attacking opportunity for the All Blacks but great covering defence from Lawrence as he manages to scrag Ioane from behind and strip the ball loose. Superb. Ioane quickly heads to the dressing room for a blood replacement
WATCH: New Zealand score first try of Autumn Nations Series
15:28 , Luke Baker
Here’s how Mark Tele’a got New Zealand on the board with their first try.
England 6-7 New Zealand, 14 mins
15:28 , Luke Baker
New Zealand force the turnover in England territory as Lomax nips round the side of a ruck to disrupt Spencer as he goes to play the ball. That looked tight but I’d say the ball was still in the breakdown. Ref disagrees and it’s allowed to stand but NZ knock on, so England get the scrum.
Safely won and then cleared over halfway
PENALTY! England 6-7 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 13 mins)
15:26 , Luke Baker
No mistake from Marcus Smith from the tee as he narrows the deficit to a single point.
England 3-7 New Zealand, 12 mins
15:24 , Luke Baker
Good response from England, good quick ball and Feyi-Waboso takes them into the All Blacks 22. Scott Barrett drives Stuart backwards and Marcus Smith then goes for the drop goal but it’s blocked.
Back for an England penalty.
TRY! England 3-7 New Zealand (Mark Tele’a, 10 mins)
15:22 , Luke Baker
Sititi among the one-up carriers for New Zealand as they work the ball into the 22. And now it’s a try!
Brilliance from Sititi as he draws Furbank into tackle him, produces a back-of-the-hand offload and Mark Tele’a gets outside Ellis Genge to touch down in the corner. Beautifully worked to exploit a mismatch.
Then a stunning conversion from Barrett from out wide.
England 3-0 New Zealand, 8 mins
15:20 , Luke Baker
All Blacks go wide and Clarke tries to kick ahead but shanks the ball out of play. They did have penalty advantage but that still wasn’t great. Good touchfinder from Beauden Barrett though – lineout on the England 22.
PENALTY! England 3-0 New Zealand (Marcus Smith, 5 mins)
15:18 , Luke Baker
Easy kick for Marcus Smith to get things going and England lead 3-0. Bad news for the All Blacks though as Codie Taylor is off for a HIA. Asafo Aumua on at hooker temporarily.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 4 mins
15:16 , Luke Baker
England go over the top from the lineout and then crash pull through the middle takes them to the 22. Nice half-break by Itoje, good quick ball from Spencer as well – which he’s been criticised for not having in the past.
Slade carries, England 10 metres out. George Martin drops the ball but back for a penalty after Jordie Barrett tackles off the ball. Good start from England and they’ll go for the posts.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 2 mins
15:14 , Luke Baker
Early kick-pass from Marcus Smith crossfield looking for Feyi-Waboso but brillaintly defended by Caleb Clarke to push the Englishman into touch.
After the lineout, the All Blacks go aerial themselves but England claim and clear down to the 22. This time New Zealand kick-pass and FeyiWaboso disrupts before a BIG tackle from Cunningham-South drives his man back deep into the 22. Superb by the back rower. NZ eventually clear.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 New Zealand
15:12 , Luke Baker
And we’re off at the Allianz! This should be mega.
England v New Zealand – All Blacks perform haka
15:10 , Luke Baker
Ok, here we go… A frisson of tension in the Twickenham crowd. New Zealand perform the haka as per normal and the England fans bellow out ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ for the duration. Supporters doing their part!
As for the England team, they line up to face the All Blacks and walk forward a few steps to show they’re up for the challenge. During the Maori war dance, the All Blacks also walk forward, so the teams end up only a couple of yards from each other with just a few prone photographers lying between them… Wonder if they’re regretting their positioning….
All good theatre, now the business is about to start!
What is a 20-minute red card? How new rugby law will work during Autumn Nations Series
15:08 , Luke Baker
Let’s hope this isn’t relevant today but there’s a new law being trialled this autumn – the 20-minute red card. It has been used in the southern hemisphere but will now controversially be tried up north.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What is a 20-minute red card? How new rugby law will work during autumn Tests
England v New Zealand
15:04 , Luke Baker
The teams head out to the Twickenham turf. Anthems upcoming and then the eagerly-awaited haka. Rumours of a response from England after the week of controversy following Joe Marler’s comments but we’ll wait and see.
England v New Zealand
15:02 , Luke Baker
An update from our man on the ground at Twickenham, Harry Latham-Coyle:
A wonderfully mild and dry early November day at the renamed Allianz Stadium, which is plastered in blue and white branding to mark the rather lucrative partnership with the insurance firm. Tenor Alfie Boe has just treated those in their seats to a stirring rendition of ‘Jerusalem’ – it’s not quite the haka in terms of cultural meaning, but the early-arriving England fans certainly seemed to enjoy William Blake’s words.
Joe Marler hugs Scott Robertson after haka controversy
14:56 , Luke Baker
A nice denouement to all the haka controversy this week. Instigator Joe Marler appears to have been forgiven for his comments by All Blacks boss Scott Robertson.
Heartwarming stuff… We still eagerly await England’s response to the haka, of course.
England vs New Zealand
14:55 , Luke Baker
We’re about 15 minutes from kick-off now and the players are getting ready for what should be a fascinating clash
England vs New Zealand match officials
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Jordan Way (Aus)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (RSA)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (RSA)
‘Special’ Wallace Sititi looks to continue breakthrough year
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
One of New Zealand’s brightest new stars is young back row Wallace Sititi. The son of former Samoa international Semo, the 22-year-old was somewhat surprisingly preferred to Hoskins Sotutu in Scott Robertson’s squad after finding his footing with the Chiefs down the stretch of his debut season at Super Rugby level. But since stepping into a black jersey for the first time against Fiji in San Diego, the youngster hasn’t looked back.
The back row seems to move differently both in the open field and at the lineout, where his spring is a vital weapon in both attack and, particularly, defence. “He reminds me a bit of myself, he can play six, seven or eight really well,” Ardie Savea said this week. “He’s quality.
“The athleticism is just something he has got. That’s something you don’t want to tarnish. You want him to flourish and keep playing the way he’s playing. He’s been amazing coming into this environment. He’s found what works for him and is playing great footy – it’s a testament to himself and his preparation, the level-headedness and calmness he has. It’s special.”
The Henry Slade gamble that shows the centre has become one of England’s most important players
14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Henry Slade scrambled home from Spain last week in order to feature for Exeter in their defeat to Harlequins, the 54 minutes his first of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer. His rapid return indicates just how important he is to this England side.
The Henry Slade gamble that shows the centre has become one of England’s key figures
Team news – New Zealand
14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson recalls his big guns after resting them from the win over Japan last weekend, including Jordie Barrett, who is available after injury. Beauden Barrett is handed the reins at fly half with Will Jordan at full-back, and Mark Tele’a is given an opportunity to regain form on the wing. With no Ethan de Groot for a breach of “internal standards”, the giant Tamaiti Williams starts at loosehead prop.
New Zealand XV: 1 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Wallace Sititi, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Ardie Savea; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Mark Tele’a; 15 Will Jordan.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau; 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie.
Team news – England
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Henry Slade is fit to start for England having played his first minutes of the season for Exeter last weekend after recovering from shoulder surgery. Ben Spencer is named as the starting scrum half for the first time in his international career having pipped Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall to the nine shirt, while Ellis Genge returns at loosehead having missed the summer tour due to injury. Steve Borthwick opts for six forwards and two backs on the bench.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin; 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Marcus Smith; 11 Tommy Freeman, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; 15 George Furbank.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Ben Curry, 21 Alex Dombrandt; 22 Harry Randall, 23 George Ford.
Kevin Sinfield admits he did not expect to still be on England coaching team
13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
12 months ago, it was Kevin Sinfield overseeing England’s defence, producing an impressive World Cup campaign before deciding that he felt a different role would be more appropriate. Having announced an intention to leave the set-up ahead of the Six Nations, agreement has been reached that will allow Sinfield to retain involvement on a part-time basis, leaving him free to pursue other passions including his considerable charity work.
While a pre-booked speaking tour will leave Sinfield absent for a couple of these autumn Tests, he is delighted to be remaining part of Borthwick’s staff.
Kevin Sinfield admits he did not expect to still be on England coaching team
New England defence coach Joe El-Abd opens up on friendship with Steve Borthwick and rugby philosophy
13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England have a new defence coach for this autumn, with Joe El-Abd taking up the role after Felix Jones handed in his resignation in August. The former Bristol and Toulon flanker will continue to serve as director of rugby of French club Oyonnax until the end of the season but has been tasked with taking England’s aggressive defence on after answering an SOS from his former flatmate Steve Borthwick.
New England defence coach Joe El-Abd reveals why role was ‘difficult to refuse’
Ireland criticise 20-minute red card ahead of controversial trial in autumn Tests
13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are a few law trials in place this autumn, with attempts made to speed up the formation of both scrums and lineouts and a clamp down on “escorting” from retreating players while the oppostion are chasing kicks. It is the introduction of the 20-minute red card, though, that has attracted most attention, with Ireland and France coming out against the change in rugby’s disciplinary process:
Ireland criticise 20-minute red card ahead of controversial trial in autumn Tests
Autumn Nations Series schedule: How to watch every rugby Test on TV and online
13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It is, as mentioned, a hectic November with the Autumn Nations Series spread over five weeks of fixtures. Here’s the full schedule and how you can watch every game:
Autumn Nations Series schedule: How to watch every rugby Test
Maro Itoje on the Lions, leadership and politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
One man usually at his best on days like these is Maro Itoje, who surpasses the cap tally of the great Martin Johnson today. In Girona last week, I sat down with the ever-considered and compelling England lock to talk leadership, the prospect of a third Lions tour and his potential political ambitions.
Maro Itoje on politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
For New Zelanad, the 2-0 series win over today’s opponents represents the high point of their year so far, with more than a few teething problems under Scott “Razor” Robertson. Have the All Blacks lost their aura?
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
Coaching upheaval sets up pivotal autumn for Steve Borthwick and England
12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
All of that has rather overshadowed the build-up to a vital opening Test of the autumn. For Steve Borthwick, the last couple of months have not been as smooth as he would have liked, with the twin departures of strength and conditioning guru Aled Walters (who has joined Andy Farrell’s Ireland) and defence coach Felix Jones (serving a 12-month notice period while providing analysis from afar) rocking the England boss. After a series of near misses this year, this is a pivotal November.
Coaching upheaval sets up pivotal autumn for Steve Borthwick and England
Joe Marler apologises to New Zealand fans after calling for Haka to be scrapped
12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And then, on Thursday evening, Marler apologised to All Blacks fans for his comment – though still believes that the opposition should be able to provide a response to the haka.
Joe Marler apologises to New Zealand fans after calling for Haka to be scrapped
Jamie George fears Joe Marler has provoked New Zealand over anti-Haka comments
11:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England captain Jamie George, meanwhile, disagreed with the opinion of his long-time front row colleague, and suggested that Joe Marler may have “prodded the bear”:
Jamie George fears Joe Marler has provoked New Zealand over anti-Haka comments
All Blacks hit back at England prop Joe Marler over haka criticism
11:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
On Thursday, the All Blacks hit back, with head coach Scott Robertson explaining why the traditional Maori pre-match challenge is so important to New Zealand:
All Blacks hit back at England prop Joe Marler over haka criticism
Joe Marler defends haka remark after claiming tradition ‘needs binning’ before England v All Blacks
11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So let’s take you through how the haka saga unfolded this week. Joe Marler left England camp on Monday for personal reasons, but it was Tuesday night when the prop stoked the fires with a slightly clumsy comment on social media:
Joe Marler defends haka remark after claiming tradition ‘needs binning’
England vs All Blacks LIVE
Friday 1 November 2024 07:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Welcome along to the The Independent’s LIVE coverage of England vs New Zealand as the Autumn Nations Series kicks off with a bang at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
One of rugby’s most anticipated fixture is a fitting start to a busy November of international action as the Southern Hemisphere heavyweights test themselves against their Six Nations foes. Steve Borthwick’s hosts were beaten 2-0 on their July tour of New Zealand and will be out to right a few wrongs against an All Blacks side hoping to rebound from a disappointing Rugby Championship.
A week dominated by chatter over the haka after a social media post from England prop Joe Marler has only added extra edge to an enticing fixture. Kick off is at 3.10pm GMT.
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