New Zealand v England LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as All Blacks secure narrow win in brutal first Test

England were denied a famous victory in a brutal first Test as Damian McKenzie’s boot gave New Zealand victory in Dunedin.

Seeking only a third win in history over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, England defended superbly and appeared to be on course when Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored just after half-time.

But the hosts, as they do often, found a way, shutting the game down and upping the physicality in a hard-hitting encounter. McKenzie, having missed twice from the tee in the first half, showed his composure as the fly half struck two second-half penalties to nudge the All Blacks in front entering the final 15 minutes.

And showing all of their experience, New Zealand seldom allowed England another shot at snatching the win, ensuring that they take a 1-0 lead into the second Test at Eden Park in Auckland next week as they kicked off a new era under head coach Scott Robertson with a win.

Re-live all of the action from New Zealand vs England below:

Summer Internationals: New Zealand v England

• England denied famous victory by a single point as All Blacks survive brutal Test

• FT: New Zealand 16-15 England

• PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 16-15 England (Damian McKenzie penalty, 66 minutes)

• TRY! New Zealand 10-15 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso try, 48 minutes)

• HT: New Zealand 10-10 England

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 10-7 England (Ardie Savea, 25 minutes)

• TRY! New Zealand 5-7 ENGLAND (Maro Itoje, 22 minutes)

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 5-0 England (Sevu Reece, 16 minutes)

• KICK OFF!

England suffer agonising defeat as All Blacks snatch victory in first Test

10:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England fell agonisingly short of registering a famous victory over New Zealand as a narrow second-half lead ebbed away in a 16-15 loss in Dunedin.

Steve Borthwick’s tourists were kept in the first half by their spirited defence as the All Blacks threatened to cut loose and although their blitz system was open to exploitation, they were able to hustle a 10-10 scoreline heading into half-time.

Fly-half Marcus Smith endured a poor day off the kicking tee but his running skills were at the heart of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s 47th-minute try that nudged them 15-10 ahead in a gripping series opener at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

England have triumphed on New Zealand soil on only two previous occasions and joining the heroes of 1973 and 2003 was the tantalising prospect before them as they pressed for another score.

But the All Blacks crept back in front through two penalties from Damian McKenzie to reward their superiority at the breakdown.

England suffer agonising defeat as All Blacks snatch victory in first Test

Steve Borthwick speaks to Sky Sports after England’s defeat

10:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It was fine margins. You look at the second half today, it was a real arm-wrestle on the field. Immense credit to New Zealand for taking their opportunities and getting over the line. We’ll have a real look at it, a debrief and look at how we move forward.

“In any game of rugby, both teams enter the game with a plan and try to impose that plan on the opposition. The same thing happened in the second half. I thought New Zealand’s bench was very good today and played a very smart second half.

“I don’t think there was much in it. Neither team really got into the opposition 22 very often. At that point, you are just trying to keep the pressure on the opposition. Every week is important for us. We’ll recover from this game, take all of the learnings and make sure we maximise every day next week.”

All Blacks edge brutal first Test as England denied famous win

10:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How much better will the All Blacks be next week? For a first effort under a new coaching staff, their set-piece and defence were very impressive, and you felt like they have more layers to add to their attacking shape. And now England have to go to Eden Park, where New Zealand haven’t been beaten since 1994.

All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett on a first win as captain

10:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I’m immensely proud for the group to come together in ten days and win against a pretty sharp England side. It was a good reminder of what Test rugby is like. There’s different layers of pressure and I think we adapted pretty well, managed to grind back in it and get our noses in front.”

And Maro Itoje is also snared for a chat with the broadcaster

10:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“There were probably a few areas [where we fell short]. Our scrum probably wasn’t good enough, we gave the ball away too easily and didn’t exit as well as we wanted to. It was a good effort, but we just need to be better.

“We wanted to raise the intensity after half time and I think we probably did that. But we let a few inaccuracies slip into our game and allowed us to get back in it. We know the All Blacks are a good team, they play good rugby and are a physical team. They just did what they did very well.

“Every game is an experience and something to build from. We were one point from winning that game. If a result happens in the final phase of the game, it could go the other way. We’ll lick our wounds and get better. Eden Park is a great stadium so we will relish the opportunity to go again.”

England captain Jamie George gives his reaction to Sky Sports

10:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“First and foremost, I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved and the way we went out and attacked the game. We’ll do a lot of honest work this week and make sure we go to Eden Park next week fully prepared.

“We’re playing rugby for England. The big message from me was that we wanted to make people back home very proud, and I think we did that with our effort. We’ll learn, we’ll grow, we’ll get better.

“Losing a player of Joe’s calibre is always tough but I’m incredibly happy for Fin Baxter. What an amazing debut he had. A massive shout out to Ollie Sleightholme for getting his debut too. We’ve got to learn fast, and we’ll make sure we do that. There will be a few sore bodies but it is a really exciting week for us.”

FT: New Zealand 16-15 England

10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brutal and brilliant first Test that the All Blacks have just about emerged on top of. So many positives for England, but full credit to New Zealand for shutting the game down in that final quarter, even if they never managed to move through the gears with the tourists’ scramble defence simply outstanding.

The hosts take a 1-0 lead to Auckland next week.

FULL TIME: New Zealand 16-15 England

09:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand 16-15 England, 81 minutes

09:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to New Zealand! Tupou Vaa’i and Dalton Papali’i force a turtled Englishman to hold on!

The All Blacks have clung on!

New Zealand 16-15 England, 80 minutes

09:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to England! Finlay Christie looks to be pinpoint in his breakdown scavenging but Dalton Papali’i is penalised for obstructing one of England’s clearout men. Into the All Blacks half Steve Borthwick’s side go with chance of snatching victory!

THE SHOT CLOCK EXPIRES! New Zealand 16-15 England, 79 minutes

09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Damian McKenzie has taken too long! The shot clock expires, Nika Amashukeli whistles and England have a scrum - and hope!

New Zealand 16-15 England, 77 minutes

09:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to New Zealand! Alex Coles’ no-arms tackle is pinged. It’s out on the right but eminently kickable, and Damian McKenzie’s point to the posts will waste another minute at least.

New Zealand 16-15 England,76 minutes

09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ollie Sleightholme is on for his debut. Can he be England’s hero?

New Zealand 16-15 England, 74 minutes

09:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pulverised! Sevu Reece absolutely vaporises George Furbank on the kick chase. A colossal hit, but somehow the England full-back holds on.

Neither side is giving an inch in phase play. England kick up to halfway; Finlay Christie replies with a box kick that Furbank wisely marks before Reece can double his destructive dose.

New Zealand 16-15 England, 73 minutes

09:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The crowd howls as Beauden Barrett runs into the back of a blowing Fin Baxter having chipped beyond the England prop. The officials are content that there is nothing illegal in Baxter’s challenge, the loosehead seemingly having just stood his ground, as he is entitled to.

New Zealand 16-15 England, 72 minutes

09:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But that’s uncharacteristically loose from New Zealand. Asafo Aumua dummies his lineout throw and is free kicked.

Fin Smith sends something skywards. Jordie Barrett hurries in to snatch it out of the hands of team mate Finlay Christie, who looked pretty uncertain under it.

New Zealand 16-15 England, 71 minutes

09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A mighty shove! A proper scrum time lesson from the replacement All Blacks front row, destroying their English counterparts. The All Blacks boot up beyond haflway.

New Zealand 16-15 England, 69 minutes

09:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Turnover ball for New Zealand! England begin to make inroads in the All Blacks half but a maul ends up with ball unplayable, granting the hosts a scrum.

Jamie George is furious on the bench, the England captain’s day done. Alex Coles has gone to the blindside, by the way, with Tom Curry now on the openside with Sam Underhill off. Both Maro Itoje and George Martin are going 80.

New Zealand 16-15 England, 67 minutes

09:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A swap of Smiths for England, Fin on for Marcus at fly half. He’s already led Northampton to Premiership title triumph this summer - can the young ten have his first standout moment in England white as they seek a famous victory?

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 16-15 England (Damian McKenzie penalty, 66 minutes)

09:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up go the flags. Damian McKenzie pushes the All Blacks in front.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 65 minutes

09:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to New Zealand. Posts it is.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 64 minutes

09:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beauden Barrett also produces an excellent kick, skidding it over the surface and turning George Furbank. Sevu Reece’s energetic chase forces Furbank to rush his clearance, and new hooker Asafo Aumua will throw a lineout 30 metres from England’s line.

Alex Coles and his long limbs replace Sam Underhill.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 62 minutes

09:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jordie Barrett shows off his skillset, dropping the ball on to his weaker left peg and tonking it 50 yards upfield.

It’s tight and nervy in Dunedin as we enter the final quarter.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 60 minutes

09:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Spencer is on for Alex Mitchell and scrambles sharply to cut down the space for the Barrett brothers as the trio get to the edge of England’s defence. The visitors’ work in that regard has been outstanding today.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 59 minutes

09:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ouch. Ben Earl gets ahead of the ball and accidentally wipes out Jordie Barrett. If it had been a tackle, Earl might well have faced further sanction, but as it is only a collision, a penalty suffices.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 57 minutes

09:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Itoje has indeed taken charge of England, and he’s in control of the skies, too - Codie Taylor’s lineout throw is destined for Ardie Savea until England’s lock gets his big right hand up to it. Even at the end of an impossibly long season, Itoje has been everywhere.

New Zealand 13-15 England, 56 minutes

09:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Whack! Sevu Reece steamrolls Marcus Smith after the England fly half takes a high bomb. Theo Dan is on at hooker for Jamie George, presumably making Maro Itoje England captain.

Heavy contact again! Ollie Lawrence collides with Damian McKenzie, and there is blood on the All Blacks face. Not thanks to that hit, though - perfectly clean from the England centre, though McKenzie’s rib cage may not agree.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 13-15 England (Damian McKenzie penalty, 55 minutes)

09:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A much cleaner strike from Damian McKenzie.

Richie Mo’unga, unavailable for this series after his move to Japan, gives an approving nod from the stands to his replacement in the number ten shirt.

New Zealand 10-15 England, 54 minutes

09:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Frustrating for England. Having dealt with McKenzie’s chip, Tom Curry goes off his feet resourcing a ruck after a George Martin carry. Damian McKenzie (0 from 2 from the tee tonight) will try to narrow the deficit.

New Zealand 10-15 England, 52 minutes

09:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scott Robertson clearly feels that this is a pinch point for the contest. Enter Beauden Barrett and Fletcher Newell at full-back and tighthead respectively.

Can Beauden get their attack firing? They’ve not found flow at all since the interval. Damian McKenzie’s little chip isn’t the answer with Scott the wrong Barrett brother to be chasing it.

New Zealand 10-15 England, 51 minutes

09:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A change for New Zealand: Ofa Tu’ungafasi is on for Ethan de Groot. England answer with two of their own: Dan Cole levels Jason Leonard’s cap tally of 114, replacing Will Stuart on the tighthead, and Tom Curry will offer a different, scavenging skillset in Chandler Cunningham-South’s stead at six.

TRY! New Zealand 10-15 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso try, 48 minutes)

09:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is over in the corner!

Patience and posie from England in attack, guided brilliantly by Marcus Smith. Another fine ball allows Tommy Freeman to writhe to within just a couple of metres, and then it is all about picking the right moment to go wide. Smith spots space and demands the ball off Alex Mitchell, flicking a try-scoring pass out to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, showing his opportunistic instincts.

Smith can’t quite convert but that’s an excellent start to the half from the tourists.

New Zealand 10-10 England, 47 minutes

09:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England have certainly come out with greater purpose, though. A lovely dleay from Marcus Smith puts club colleague Chandler Cunningham-South striding into space. Back into the opposition red area they advance...

New Zealand 10-10 England, 46 minutes

09:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both coaches predicted that the breakdown would be brutal in this series, and that is very much proving true. Maro Itoje pinches a turnover to earn England possession in advanced territory, but when Ben Earl goes it alone inside the All Blacks 22, Will Stuart is forced to clatter in to a jackalling Ardie Savea from the side.

Missed penalty! New Zealand 10-10 England, 44 minutes

09:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

My oh my, that’s poor from Marcus Smith. A genuine sitter and a snap-hook from the fly half, who hurls an expletive into the Dunedin night.

New Zealand 10-10 England, 42 minutes

09:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stable and solid enough from England...and eventually, they get the penalty! Nika Amashukeli tells New Zealand to “use it!” but Ethan de Groot keeps puttoing the pressure on, and is called for stepping around the outside.

This should push England into the lead...

New Zealand 10-10 England, 41 minutes

09:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A strong carry from Chandler Cunningham-South, driving back both All Blacks second rows. But a little spill on the deck ends his adventure ten metres from the New Zealand 22.

Second half...

09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, the players are back out there, waiting for Nika Amshukeli’s permission to resume proceedings. The All Blacks have made a change: TJ Perenara has now gone off after that worrying-looking incident just before half-time; Finlay Christie is on at scrum half.

Back underway.

HT: New Zealand 10-10 England

09:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The suggestion from New Zealand is that it is a foot injury for Joe Marler. Remember, England are already without Ellis Genge due to a calf problem - they may well have to scramble someone out as cover before the second Test if Marler’s issue is a serious one, with Bevan Rodd the other loosehead on tour.

HT: New Zealand 10-10 England

09:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The other concern for England might be their set-piece, which has been put under pressure. Fin Baxter was forced on early with the Harlequins prop thrown on for a debut for a stricken Joe Marler after 18 minutes - the loosehead has grown into the contest but this is comfortably the biggest occasion of his young career.

HT: New Zealand 10-10 England

09:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A fascinating half, New Zealand feeling constantly close to cracking England open but the visitors scrambling to stay in it. The tourists have probably edged the kicking game, too, and though their attacking game is yet to really get going, Steve Borthwick’s side will be pleased to be back in the hutch to recharge with the scores level.

HALF TIME: New Zealand 10-10 England

08:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

PENALTY! New Zealand 10-10 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 42 minutes)

08:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight and true from Marcus Smith, making amends for his miss from the tee early on. Affairs are squared as the two sides trot to the tunnel.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 41 minutes

08:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks play on, happy to chance their arm inside their own half even with the interval imminent. And they may just pay, conceding a kickable penalty 35 metres from their own line and bang in front.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 40 minutes

08:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh no. This looks a real worry for TJ Perenara, hyperextending his knee after George Martin counter-rucks a teammate into the All Blacks’ scrum half, who is making his New Zealand comeback after so long out with an Achilles injury last year.

Remarkably, Perenara hobbles back to his feet and will continue as the hooter blares. That looked like it could have been nasty.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 39 minutes

08:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Frustrating again for England. TMO Eric Gauzins calls down to Nika Amashukeli just as an attack gathers steam on the left, picking up Fin Baxter for a neck roll on Ardie Savea earlier in the movement. It’s not the clearest neck roll you’ve seen, but the officials have said that they are going to be hot on any clearout of that kind this summer.

Penalty New Zealand as we tick towards half time.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 37 minutes

08:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jordie Barrett, meanwhile, pilfers possession 30 metres from his own line and off the All Blacks go. There’s space apparent on the right but Ardie Savea’s attempt at an extended one-two with Damian McKenzie is clearly forward out of the hand.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 36 minutes

08:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England haven’t got their accuracy right in attack so far. A Ben Earl inside ball to Tommy Freeman is right at the line and thus optimistic, and there is little surprise when it is knocked on.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 35 minutes

08:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A chip from Jordie Barrett isn’t quite right, and a fortunate bounce of Alex Mitchell’s knee lands in the hands of club colleague George Furbank. He is munched by Ethan de Groot, though the All Blacks infringe at the breakdown to relieve some of the pressure on England.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 34 minutes

08:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s excellent from McKenzie, too, beating the significantly larger Tommy Freeman in the air with a well-timed leap.

The fly half is on the ball again, putting skipper Scott Barrett through a gap as England blitz up on the outside too far.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 33 minutes

08:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian McKenzie is settling in nicely. A slightly aimless Henry Slade punt affords Stephen Perofeta plenty of time to find his playmaking partner, who boots well beyond halfway from the safe embrace of his own 22.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 31 minutes

08:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into the 22 the All Blacks go, though England recover their shape swiftly. Maro Itoje contests at the breakdown and is dragged away by his neck - penalty against TJ Perenara, erring in his desperation to shift the lock and rightly pinged by one of Nika Amashukeli’s assistants.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 30 minutes

08:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks are just starting to show their might. England’s scrum is solid but Ben Earl is chopped down by Dalton Papali’i, allowing his forward comrades to pile in and counter-ruck for the ball.

New Zealand 10-7 England, 28 minutes

08:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Tele’a is just so slippery. The electric eel-esque All Blacks wing cuts right through an advancing England line with impossible ease before beating Maro Itoje’s clutching limbs. A knock-on spoils another promising movement.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 10-7 England (Ardie Savea, 25 minutes)

08:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And the All Blacks capitalise!

Dynamite feet from Stephen Perofeta! The full-back detonates the ankles of Ben Earl, standing up the number eight and putting him on the deck with a step to the outside. There are two men waiting on the exposed edge as Perofeta draws the last defender, and Ardie Savea has the speed to ensure Sevu Reece’s support is surplus to requirements.

New Zealand 5-7 England, 23 minutes

08:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chandler Cunningham-South slaps back a high kick, but Ben Earl knocks it on just outside England’s 22. The All Blacks scrum goes to work, Fin Baxter struggling against Tyrel Lomax and conceding a penalty.

TRY! New Zealand 5-7 ENGLAND (Maro Itoje try, 22 minutes)

08:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No doubt! Maro Itoje answers for England!

Power and punch from England around the corner, led by Chandler Cunningham-South, England-born but New Zealand-reared and inflicting pain on the All Blacks fringe defence. Itoje is sharp and accurate with his pick and drive; Marcus Smith’s conversion pushes the tourists in front.

TRY? New Zealand 5-0 England, 20 minutes

08:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Has Maro Itoje punched over from close range? Chandler Cunningham-South went within a metre and the lock might just have got there...

New Zealand 5-0 England, 21 minutes

08:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That grubber brings a better result for England, Ollie Lawrence nudging for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who forces McKenzie out five metres from the All Blacks line. A real chance for England...

New Zealand 5-0 England, 20 minutes

08:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some bright attacking interplay from England up the right, Alex Mitchell fizzing and popping. Marcus Smith slides a grubber through for Henry Slade and co to get after, but Damian McKenzie had covered his opposite number’s prod appropriately.

New Zealand 5-0 England, 18 minutes

08:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh dear - more woe for England. Joe Marler is off inside 20 minutes, meaning a Test debut for Fin Baxter, who will have to go for more than an hour against the All Blacks in New Zealand. Baptism of fire.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 5-0 England (Sevu Reece, 16 minutes)

08:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A crossfield kick brings joy for New Zealand!

The All Blacks click into gear! George Furbank makes a thumping tackle on Rieko Ioane but is then caught on the wrong side, drawing another advantage. Onwards the hosts go, punching up the centre to condense the England defence. Damian McKenzie spots Sevu Reece all alone on the far right, clipping cleanly too him with his right boot, and the wing holds off Tommy Freeman to scurry into the corner.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 15 minutes

08:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Advantage to New Zealand with England offside, permitting the hosts to chance to play. Damian McKenzie unveils some of his flicks and tricks and the All Blacks begin to build momentum, Mark Tele’a getting away from Alex Mitchell. Into the England 22 they go.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 13 minutes

08:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A free kick against the All Blacks front row as they put the weight on too soon. That makes England’s clearing of their lines straightforward.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 11 minutes

08:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But that’s a touch profligate from the All Blacks. Dalton Papali’i bursts away from the maul but can’t make many metres, and Ardie Savea fumbles as he tries to pick and drive.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 10 minutes

08:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A statement scrum! Ethan de Groot gets the congratulatory head taps after driving Will Stuart back. New Zealand fancy the corner; Jordie Barrett finds it

New Zealand 0-0 England, 9 minutes

08:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Better at scrum time from New Zealand, getting a nudge on and allowing Damian McKenzie to clear. That’s less pretty from England’s set piece, Jamie George making a complete mess of his throw with his jumpers getting their set-up wrong, too. Hmm.

Steve Borthwick and attack coach Richard Wigglesworth study the footage intently on their laptop. There’s no Kevin Sinfield in the coaches’ box today with the rugby league great back in England for Rob Burrow’s funeral.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 8 minutes

08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a thumping start in Dunedin. England blitz up on New Zealand’s inside backs and Henry Slade gets to Jordie Barrett, sending his pass splatting into the deck. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso gathers and gallops for glory, but Slade’s hand had knocked on in contact. Some fascinating battles between the blitz and the All Blacks’ attack.

Missed penalty! New Zealand 0-0 England, 6 minutes

08:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ah. Not the start that Marcus Smith will have wanted, tugging his attempt from right of centre wide of the left-hand upright. It was 40 metres out but that’ll disappoint Smith.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 4 minutes

08:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie George hits Chandler Cunningham-South at the tail of the lineout, but opposite number Samipeni Finau thrusts a paw between Cunningham-South’s grasping fingers and jars the ball free. Alex Mitchell fumbles on the floor.

A first scrum entanglement. Down it goes immediately...penalty England. Nika Amashukeli is quick to his whistle with Tyrel Lomax deemed to have gone straight to deck. Marcus Smith points at the posts.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 2 minutes

08:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Variety from New Zealand, Stephen Perofeta lifting a crossfield kick. It’s not quite right, but that’s always an option when you face a blitz defence like England’s; the All Blacks have used it well against South Africa in the past.

New Zealand 0-0 England, 1 minute

08:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alex Mitchell takes the opening kick off and boots long to Jordie Barrett, allowing the All Blacks into their work in attack. New Zealand get outside England’s blitz defence but a weaving Mark Tele’a is stripped in contact.

England try to exlpore the edges but a poor pass is dropped by Tommy Freeman. It’ll be the visitors’ lienout, though, as Samipeni Finau is biffed into touch.

KICK OFF!

08:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

NEW ZEALAND VS ENGLAND IS UNDERWAY!

Match officials

08:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nika Amashukeli of Georgia is our referee today, assisted by a couple of Aussies in Nic Berry and Jordan Way. Frenchman Eric Gauzins is on hand in the TMO truck if (when) required.

Here we go. England seeking just a third win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil.

Haka

08:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TJ Perenara leads the haka, hidden in a circle of All Blacks. England stand arm-in-arm, swaying in anticipation and staring out New Zealand as they spread into formation to lay down the challenge.

New Zealand vs England

08:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anthem time, a few English voices making themselves heard among the black sea of New Zealand shirts in the stands. “God Defend New Zealand” gets rather more punchy backing.

New Zealand vs England

07:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out charge the England players, Marcus Smith testing his change of direction by zigging and zagging right across the Dunedin surface. It’s been a confident camp this week, with England feeling like they’ve got a real opportunity to lay down a marker.

Scott Barrett leads New Zealand out for the first time as All Blacks skipper, followed out by brothers Jordie and Beauden. A proud day for an extraordinary family.

New Zealand vs England

07:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Glasshouse is full pretty much to the rafters, the Dunedin public out in force to fill Forsyth Barr Stadium. Intriguingly, the All Blacks were suggesting early this week that the enclosed stadium might suit England more, playing a few mind games with Steve Borthwick’s men.

The two sets of players slap hands in the dressing rooms before preparing for their emergence, the All Blacks in their rather fetching new kits with prominent white collars.

Jamie George urging England to embrace chance to claim rare win in New Zealand

07:52 , Luke Baker

Jamie George insists England are ready to impose themselves on New Zealand and play their part in a weekend of high-stakes sport.

England are aiming to triumph on Kiwi soil for only the third time in a history spanning 16 matches and 61 years when they collide with the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday morning.

Martin Johnson’s 2003 tourists were the last team to take the sport’s most prized scalp with each of the seven Tests since ending in defeat for the Red Rose.

George believes that toppling the All Blacks would set the tone for England’s football team when they face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals later in the same day.

Jamie George urging England to embrace chance to claim rare win in New Zealand

Stephen Perofeta gets a chance

07:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back when he was coming through age grade rugby, Stephen Perofeta was nicknamed “Pero-future”, a nod to the sky-high potential many felt he possessed. The path since hasn’t always been smooth since he guided a dominant New Zealand side to a 64-17 victory over their English counterparts at the 2017 U20s World Championship, Perofeta flitting between fly half and full-back and often in the shadow of the All Blacks’ amazing array of play-making options.

But two years on from earning his first three caps, now feels like it might be Perofeta’s time. It feels a bold call from Scott Robertson to start the 27-year-old ahead of Beauden Barrett but the new All Blacks boss is hoping that his full-back carries the sharpness from a strong end to the Super Rugby Pacific season with the champion Blues.

“Obviously the experience of 123 Tests counts for a lot, but Stephen Perofeta is also a guy who is in form, good around the high ball and playing great footy,” Robertson said.

“Just two weeks ago he was playing in a Test-match level game in a final. Beauden can play his part covering both 10 and 15. When you’ve got Beauden Barrett on the bench it’s pretty special.”

England’s two new faces: Prolific Ollie Sleightholme earns his opportunity

07:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ollie Sleightholme, meanwhile, could have done little more to force his way into Borthwick’s squad. The son of 12-cap wing Jon, the 24-year-old topped the try scoring charts in the Premiership this season, showcasing real finishing nous to go along with his natural speed and ability to breach contact. His defensive ability also merits mention, both for his work shutting down the edge and as a breakdown scavenger.

“Clearly his point of difference is to beat defenders and find the try line,” Borthwick explained. “The top try-scorer in the Premiership, he has incredible pace and we want that in this England team. The other thing is he’s a very effective defender.

“You can see how important this defensive system has been to us, over just five games in the Six Nations. And we see him fitting into that system very, very well.”

England’s two new faces: Fin Baxter set for debut

07:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It may have been that Fin Baxter travelled on tour had Ellis Genge been fit, but the Bristol loosehead’s calf issue has opened the door for the 22-year-old to earn a first cap today. The prop protégé of Joe Marler at Harlequins, Baxter also counts Alex Corbisiero as an influence having come through the same Cobham club as another of England’s most destructive looseheads.

His scrummaging work has come on quickly working with Marler and scrum coach Adam Jones at Quins, with Baxter taking it to the giant Ben Tameifuna in his side’s Champions Cup win over Bordeaux-Begles. He also prides himself on the softer skills as a distributor at the line.

“I’m really proud of the year I’ve had,” Baxter said recently. “I’m loving being in this environment and getting myself up to Test level.”

Talking points ahead of New Zealand v England

07:24 , Luke Baker

Marcus Smith’s moment of truth

If ever there was a moment for Marcus Smith to prove he is England’s principal fly-half it comes in Dunedin.

Smith was electric in the tour opener in Tokyo a fortnight earlier, but the space provided by Japan’s defence was a gift to a player with his attacking repertoire.

New Zealand will be far less accommodating, but if Smith’s decision-making and game management match his creativity with the ball in hand, the jersey will be his for the foreseeable future.

Talking points ahead of New Zealand v England

07:14 , Luke Baker

Chinks in armour

The All Blacks are heavy favourites to triumph at Forsyth Barr Stadium, yet they have rarely appeared so vulnerable.

Their first outing of the year takes place under a new head coach and captain in Scott Robertson and Scott Barrett respectively, while influential stalwarts such as Richie Mo’unga, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith have either retired or are on sabbaticals in Japan.

Factor in player unrest with administrators and the Crusaders fading as the dominant force in Super Rugby and it seems to be a good time to be facing the World Cup runners-up.

Talking points ahead of New Zealand v England

07:04 , Luke Baker

The ultimate challenge

England wins against New Zealand on Kiwi soil are precious and have been managed only twice before – in 1973 and 2003.

Since Martin Johnson’s team prevailed against the odds over two decades ago, England have played seven more times in the All Blacks’ back yard and got close only once, a 20-15 defeat in Auckland in 2014.

South Africa are world champions, but outside the global showpiece winning a Test series in New Zealand is the sport’s ultimate challenge.

England’s answer to Ardie Savea can inspire thrilling series with All Blacks

06:53 , Luke Baker

It is a little over 60 years now since England embarked on their first Antipodean adventure, a squad led by Mike Weston following previous French, Scottish and Irish tours to make a belated arrival in the Southern Hemisphere in 1963. A gruelling schedule had been organised by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in New Zealand and Australia. England returned after little more than a fortnight battered, bruised and beaten in five of their six matches.

England have seldom found Aotearoa to their liking on their returns to the Shaky Isles since. Their infrequent visits to New Zealand have been cloaked in a long white cloud of English defeats and off-field bother. It is 20 years since the All Blacks were last beaten by England on home soil, and it was a 30-year winning run for the hosts before that. That the teams contest a prize named after Sir Edmund Hillary feels appropriate.

“It doesn’t get more challenging than playing New Zealand at home, but it’s exactly where we want to be,” England head coach Steve Borthwick said ahead of the first of a two-Test series that begins in Dunedin on Saturday.

“We want to find out more about ourselves and test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. Test rugby is a game of fine margins, so our mindset is going to be very important on Saturday. We’ll need to be mentally strong, play a tactically smart game and ensure we maintain our discipline.”

Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full preview of a fascinating series:

England’s answer to Ardie Savea can inspire thrilling series with All Blacks

Marcus Smith urges England to ‘show the best of themselves’ against New Zealand

06:42 , Luke Baker

Marcus Smith is ready for England’s growing confidence in attack to meet its toughest examination yet when they face New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday.

Steve Borthwick’s side opened the tour by running in eight tries against Japan a fortnight ago, with the 52-17 victory continuing the theme born in the Guinness Six Nations of greater intent being shown with the ball in hand.

Even though World Cup finalists New Zealand are being remodelled by new head coach Scott Robertson, they will still provide a gauge of just how far England’s attack has come.

Harlequins fly-half Smith will pull the strings at Forsyth Barr Stadium believing he will be directing a team that is improving in multiple areas.​

Marcus Smith urges England to ‘show the best of themselves’ against New Zealand

England team news

06:31 , Luke Baker

Props Joe Marler and Will Stuart swap into the England side in the only changes to the starting line-up that beat Japan.

Marcus Smith retains the reins at fly half while two uncapped players await debuts from the bench in Harlequins loosehead Fin Baxter and Northampton wing Ollie Sleightholme.

England XV: 1 Joe Marler, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin; 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 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 Alex Coles, 20 Tom Curry; 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme.

New Zealand team news

06:22 , Luke Baker

New All Blacks captain Scott Barrett leads a strong and experienced New Zealand side, but elder brother Beauden is left on the bench as Stephen Perofeta is preferred at full-back.

Veteran scrum half TJ Perenara returns having missed the World Cup due to injury, while one-cap flanker Samipeni Finau is a newer face.

New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Patrick Tuipulotu; 6 Samipeni Finau, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 8 Ardie Savea; 9 TJ Perenara, 10 Damian McKenzie; 11 Mark Tele’a, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Sevu Reece; 15 Stephen Perofeta

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Luke Jacobson; 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Beauden Barrett

How to watch the All Blacks v England

06:15 , Luke Baker

The first Test is due to kick off at 8.05am BST on Saturday 6 July at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with coverage on the channels from 7.30am BST. Subscribers can stream via Sky Go.

If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Everything you need to know about New Zealand v England

06:07 , Luke Baker

England will spy an opportunity against a new-look All Blacks side as they take on New Zealand in the first match of a two-Test series.

Steve Borthwick’s men warmed up for the trip with a confidence-boosting thrashing of Japan, and have had plenty of preparation time since travelling south.

The All Blacks begin a new era under head coach Scott Robertson as they return to action for the first time since the World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

It is ten years since these two met on New Zealand soil, making this a series to savour.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Is New Zealand v England on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch first Test

New Zealand v England

06:00 , Luke Baker

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of New Zealand v England from Dunedin. Can the All Blacks get the Scott Robertson era off to a flyer or will England continue their 2024 renaissance with a historic victory?

Stick with us for full live coverage