England slipped to a painful late defeat in their first Test against New Zealand knowing that a glorious opportunity to topple the world champions had eluded them.
It took a 78th-minute try from Conrad Smith to complete a 15th successive victory for the All Blacks, whose two-decade triumphant run at Eden Park continues.
Freddie Burns landed four penalties and Danny Cipriani kicked three points to keep England in the hunt until Smith dived over in the right corner.
England had Marland Yarde in the sin-bin at the time and will feel a sense of grievance from the overall performance of referee Nigel Owens.
The score was locked at 9-9 until the 64th minute as the outstanding Burns and Aaron Cruden exchanged penalties in a desperately tight 13th showdown between the rivals in New Zealand…
South Africa Today Sport – Rugby News – New Zealand vs England – Rugby