New Zealand vs England LIVE!

England agonisingly lost by just a single point in their First Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday. Damian McKenzie’s two second-half penalties after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try had edged the tourists back in front sealed a narrow 16-15 triumph for New Zealand in their first match of 2024 and first under new head coach Scott Robertson.

New Zealand had taken an initial lead under the closed roof at a sold-out Forsyth Barr Stadium after an opening try from wing Sevu Reece, with reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea also crossing in the corner after Maro Itoje had hit back for England from close range. Both fly-halves experienced tough days from the tee, with Marcus Smith hitting only two of his five kicks as opposite number McKenzie also struggled.

The two-match summer series will conclude next weekend at Auckland’s Eden Park - where the All Blacks have not lost now for some 30 years. England, meanwhile, still have not beaten the All Blacks on New Zealand soil since 2003. Follow New Zealand vs England reaction live below!

New Zealand vs England highlights

• McKenzie penalties seal narrow All Blacks win

• Marcus Smith misses three kicks in agonising loss

• TRY! Feyi-Waboso restores England lead in second half

• TRY! Savea crosses in the corner for New Zealand

• TRY! Itoje goes over from close range

• TRY! Sevu Reece gets first All Blacks score

Scott Robertson relieved as New Zealand win 'arm wrestle'

16:44 , George Flood

New All Blacks boss Scott Robertson was relieved to see his side squeeze out a narrow win in Dunedin...

"It was a hell of an arm wrestle. We didn't get our kick-game right. It was a bit of a grind but we got there,” he said.

"The scrum was immense and won a couple of vital penalties.

"That's our first hit of the year and we're on a pretty steep learning curve so it's good to start with a win.

"We've tried to keep it simple but we didn't quite deal with their line speed so we learned a lot there for next week."

Captain Scott Barrett 'proud' of All Blacks display

14:33

And here are Scott Barrett’s thoughts after his first game as captain ended in victory for the All Blacks...

"I'm proud of a group that came together in 10 days and played a pretty sharp England side," he said.

"Within that 80 minutes was bit of a reminder of what Test match footy is about.

"There were arm wrestles everywhere - set-piece, scrum battle, breakdown. Different layers of pressure.

“We adapted pretty well to the game and managed to get back in it and get back in front."

Jamie George pinpoints areas for England improvement: 'We must learn fast'

14:26 , George Flood

Here’s England captain Jamie George speaking to Sky Sports...

"First and foremost I'm very proud of this team,” he said.

“Not a lot of teams come to New Zealand and do that and that shows a huge amount of growth in this team.

"We wanted to make people back home very proud and I think we did that with our effort. It was very fine margins.

"There are definitely some areas to look at - scrum is one, breakdown is probably another.

"We'll do a lot of honest work this week and make sure we go to Eden Park fully prepared. We'll learn and we'll grow and we'll get better.

"We've got to learn fast, which is something we pride ourselves on. We'll be as prepared as we possibly can be. There will be a few sore bodies.

"We have to get the bodies and the minds right because this is a really exciting week for us."

Steve Borthwick laments 'fine margins' after England loss

14:24 , George Flood

"It was fine margins, two tries apiece. There wasn't much in that at all," England head coach Steve Borthwick said.

"The second half was a real arm wrestle in the middle of the field.

“Neither team got into the opposition 22 very often. There wasn't much in it.

"Immense credit to New Zealand for taking their opportunities and getting over the line in the end.

“The New Zealand bench was very good and played a very smart second half."

10:32

A one-point loss will be very sore indeed for England now, but they can be proud of what was a superb and highly-spirited effort for the most part.

Marcus Smith’s missed kicks will inevitably be a big talking point, but Damian McKenzie also botched two conversions and had the shot clock expire on him at a late penalty.

There wasn’t much in a thrilling and physical game at all, but on such fine margins are Test matches decided at this level.

England defended staunchly but were just a bit lacking in attack and off the tee.

Whatever is said about this current All Blacks crop, coming to New Zealand and going toe to toe with them is never, ever an easy task.

There is a nagging feeling though that England may just have seen their best chance to end that 21-year run without a win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil slip through their fingers.

10:05 , George Flood

So England’s long, long wait for only a third-ever Test win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil goes on - for another week at least.

Next up it’s the second and final instalment of the two-match summer series at Auckland’s Eden Park in seven days’ time - a venue at which the All Blacks have remarkably not lost since 1994.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:59 , George Flood

Full-time

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:58 , George Flood

81 mins: And that is that unfortunately for England as Henry Slade is cut down by Tupou Vaa'i.

It was Dalton Papali’i who was straight in there at the breakdown to earn ultimately a match-sealing penalty with the clock in the red.

All that is left is for the relieved All Blacks to knock into touch and the final whistle sounds.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:56 , George Flood

79 mins: This is it for England now as they punt for touch midway into the All Black half.

Any points will do...

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:55

78 mins: Oh wow!

Damian McKenzie takes too long over the kick and the shot clock expires.

How important could that be?!

England have the scrum with a minute to go...

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:54 , George Flood

77 mins: England are desperate to get hold of the ball here but New Zealand are attacking well with a penalty advantage.

George Furbank brings down Mark Telea after a lovely little kick from Damian McKenzie.

We eventually come back for the penalty, which McKenzie will look to slot over to push the All Black lead out to four points with just minutes to go.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:50 , George Flood

74 mins: Sevu Reece has just absolutely smoked George Furbank, who somehow held onto the ball.

What a hit.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:49 , George Flood

72 mins: England are far from done here as we push into the last 10 minutes of an absorbing first Test in Dunedin.

They are still pressing and probing, but can’t find their range off the boot.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:48

70 mins: Anton Lienert-Brown comes into the All Black midfield.

Rieko Ioane heads off.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:47 , George Flood

69 mins: A nervy-looking Scott Robertson was thrilled with that effort up in the New Zealand coaching box, while Jamie George cut a very frustrated figure on the England bench.

Replacement tighthead Fletcher Newell’s ear is a bloodied mess as the All Blacks pile on more pressure at the scrum, earning another penalty.

Great work from Newell and Ofa Tu'ungafasi as they tear into Fin Baxter and Dan Cole.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:45 , George Flood

68 mins: Beauden Barrett clears into touch after a probing effort from Fin Smith.

England’s lineout drive though is very disappointing as Scott Barrett puts it down and the penalty is conceded.

New Zealand 16-15 England

09:44 , George Flood

65 mins: Asafo Aumua is on at hooker for New Zealand, replacing Codie Taylor.

PENALTY! New Zealand 16-15 England | Damian McKenzie 65'

09:42 , George Flood

65 mins: He doesn’t miss.

England trail by a point with 15 minutes to play.

Fin Smith replaces Marcus Smith at fly-half.

New Zealand 13-15 England

09:41 , George Flood

63 mins: Another New Zealand change sees Luke Jacobson replace Patrick Tuipulotu in the second row.

England are whistled for not rolling away at the breakdown and Damian McKenzie has the chance to put the All Blacks back ahead by a solitary point with just over 15 minutes to play in Dunedin.

New Zealand 13-15 England

09:39 , George Flood

63 mins: A little bit of panic there from George Furbank as he hooks into touch under pressure.

Tupou Vaa'i has replaced Samipeni Finau in the New Zealand back row.

New Zealand 13-15 England

09:38 , George Flood

60 mins: Into the final 20 minutes in Dunedin!

England earn a hard-fought penalty that is kicked to touch, but New Zealand’s defence stand firm.

A good clearing kick from Beauden Barrett.

New Zealand 13-15 England

09:34 , George Flood

58 mins: England with some bright moments in the last couple of minutes including a lineout steal from Maro Itoje.

They look to set up another attack, but Ben Earl is ahead of the ball and smacks right into Jordie Barrett.

An easy decision for the referee.

New Zealand 13-15 England

09:32

56 mins: There’s been another England change in the front row, with Theo Dan replacing captain Jamie George at hooker.

Ben Spencer has also replaced Alex Mitchell at scrum-half.

New Zealand 13-15 England

09:31 , George Flood

56 mins: The penalty count is mounting now from England with this game balanced on a knife-edge.

Tom Curry takes down Damian McKenzie - who has blood pouring from his nose - with the help of Ollie Lawrence, who is then caught off his feet at the breakdown.

The All Blacks kick for touch.

Beauden Barrett and tighthead Fletcher Newell came on a few minutes ago.

They replaced Stephen Perofeta and Tyrel Lomax.

PENALTY! New Zealand 13-15 England | Damian McKenzie 54'

09:28 , George Flood

54 mins: Much better from the tee from Damian McKenzie as he reduces the deficit to just two points.

It was Tom Curry whistled for the infringement at the breakdown.

New Zealand 10-15 England

09:27 , George Flood

51 mins: Tom Curry and Dan Cole are both on for England now - the latter equalling the great Jason Leonard with 114 caps.

He is now equal second on the all-time appearance list, behind only Ben Youngs.

Off go Chandler Cunningham-South and Will Stuart.

New Zealand have replaced loosehead Ethan de Groot with Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

New Zealand 10-15 England

09:25 , George Flood

50 mins: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso now shows his defensive chops with a crucial tackle on New Zealand wing Mark Telea.

TRY! New Zealand 10-15 England | Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 48'

09:21

48 mins: Superb from England, as they open it up left with Alex Mitchell finding Marcus Smith, whose brilliant flat pass plays in Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for their second try of the day.

Another tough conversion is missed by Marcus Smith. England lead by five points with just over half an hour to play...

New Zealand 10-10 England

09:19 , George Flood

46 mins: A great attack from England as Tommy Freeman takes them close to the line, with Maro Itoje also looking to go over.

A brilliant carry from Chandler Cunningham-South there too.

Patient England have numbers out on the left...

New Zealand 10-10 England

09:16 , George Flood

43 mins: An early mistake on the floor from England, but Ethan de Groot is then whistled for a scrum infringement and Marcus Smith has the chance to put England in front again from the tee.

Ah but that’s another really poor strike that misses the mark.

Borthwick might have a decision to make here with his goal-kicker - England cannot afford to be missing these chances in such a tight Test match.

Could we see Henry Slade take over?

New Zealand 10-10 England

09:12

Back underway in Dunedin! Can England find their first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil since 2003?

One half-time change from Scott Robertson, with TJ Perenara heading off after that painful blow to the knee.

The Scotland-born Finlay Christie is on at scrum-half.

New Zealand 10-10 England

09:06

England certainly soaked up a lot of pressure in that physical first half, but what else would you expect in a Test match against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

Steve Borthwick will be rightly delighted with how his defence have fared so far, despite those two tries conceded.

They could even be ahead had Marcus Smith slotted over that early penalty.

Not too much offered so far by way of sustained attacking threat from England, with Maro Itoje going over from close range from one of their only entries into the opposition 22.

Some more tough moments ahead for the tourists no doubt after the break, but they would likely have snapped your hand off to be all square at this stage.

A fascinating second half lies in store. Joe Marler’s early injury the one sour note for Borthwick so far.

New Zealand 10-10 England

08:59 , George Flood

Half-time

So all square then after the first 40 minutes following that last-gasp penalty from Marcus Smith, who missed another sitter off the tee early on.

Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea with the tries for New Zealand, either side of a Maro Itoje score.

Damian McKenzie missed both conversions for the All Blacks.

PENALTY! New Zealand 10-10 England | Marcus Smith 43'

08:57 , George Flood

43 mins: No mistake this time from the Harlequins star - a potentially huge moment both for Smith and England.

We are level pegging at the break after a fascinating first half.

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:56 , George Flood

41 mins: New Zealand are trying to play here with the clock in the red, leading to brilliant work at the breakdown from Ollie Lawrence after Chandler Cunningham-South cuts down Scott Barrett.

Marcus Smith the chance to send England in level at the interval...

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:54 , George Flood

39 mins: Jamie George is furious here, complaining that England had the ball when Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli blew up immediately following an injury to All Black scrum-half TJ Perenara.

That looked like a painful blow to the knee after some excellent, brute-strength counter-rucking from George Martin, who dumped back New Zealand captain Scott Barrett, who inadvertently landed on Perenara.

Thankfully Perenara now seems okay and fine to continue.

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:52 , George Flood

38 mins: England do attack off the scrum and make their way into the All Black 22, looking to get Freeman scything through off the left wing.

George Martin is brought down and Fin Baxter is penalised for his own neck roll on Ardie Savea.

Frustration for the debutant.

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:49 , George Flood

35 mins: Despite his pair of misses from the tee, Damian McKenzie has been the architect of much of New Zealand’s positive attacking play so far in this first half.

He looks to lead an All Black counter-attack from deep after more fine work at the breakdown from the home pack, but that was clearly a forward pass from Ardie Savea.

Scrum England, with a chance to build a real attacking platform on the edge of the 22.

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:47 , George Flood

33 mins: England are under the pump again here as New Zealand build yet more pressure through the phases.

But their momentum is lost as loosehead Ethan de Groot puts in a big shot but then flops at the breakdown and concedes a pretty needless penalty.

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:42 , George Flood

30 mins: England are under more mounting pressure now, particularly at the scrum.

The All Blacks now let them off the hook with an illegal croc roll.

New Zealand 10-7 England

08:41

28 mins: Ollie Lawrence leads England’s latest defensive set after a glorious 50-22 kick from the All Blacks, smashing into Rieko Ioane.

Mark Telea is offering a real threat as always now off the flank for New Zealand.

TRY! New Zealand 10-7 England | Ardie Savea 25'

08:35

25 mins: The All Blacks hit back fast!

It’s a glorious break from Stephen Perofeta, who brushes aside Ben Earl before teeing up reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea to score New Zealand’s second try of the day in the right corner.

Another missed conversion by Damian McKenzie keeps the score at 10-7.

TRY! New Zealand 5-7 England | Maro Itoje 21'

08:31

21 mins: The tourists are in front!

New Zealand are fooled by the fake driving maul and England work the ball quickly to the line through Chandler Cunningham-South.

Maro Itoje then picks up from close range and crashes his way over.

The on-field decision is try and it’s upheld after the TMO replays clearly show the grounding.

Marcus Smith nails the conversion. England with the lead in Dunedin...

New Zealand 5-0 England

08:29 , George Flood

20 mins: England have responded well to that setback, with an angled kicked in behind causing panic in the All Blacks defence.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso then bundles a man into touch as the visitors keep up the pressure.

New Zealand 5-0 England

08:27 , George Flood

17 mins: Harlequins prop Fin Baxter is already on for his Test debut in the England front row.

Joe Marler is injured and heads off.

TRY! New Zealand 5-0 England | Sevu Reece 16'

08:25 , George Flood

16 mins: Ruthless and relentless from the All Blacks, who pile on the pressure with multiple penalty advantages and some massive carries.

Damian McKenzie aims the cross-field kick out to Sevu Reece, who cuts inside and does the rest.

But the conversion is hooked wide right. 5-0 it stays.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:23 , George Flood

15 mins: England are under big pressure now, Sevu Reece cutting inside off the right wing as New Zealand work into double-digit phases with some bruising carries into the 22.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:22 , George Flood

13 mins: New Zealand with another scrum infringement, pushing early as a free-kick from Slade is then punted into touch at halfway.

New Zealand with the lineout as they look to build some more momentum.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:21 , George Flood

11 mins: The first dangerous attack of the day from the All Blacks, but England just about stand firm in front of their own line and win the put-in at another scrum to be contested five metres out.

A clean and swift exit required here.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:20

10 mins: A hideous lineout from England gives New Zealand another scrum and they are now starting to exert their own pressure at the set-piece.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:16 , George Flood

8 mins: England are piling on the pressure after initially positive breakdown work from New Zealand.

Henry Slade flies forward into Jordie Barrett, but knocks on in the process and the All Blacks have the put-in at another scrum.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:14 , George Flood

6 mins: That’s a bad, bad miss from Marcus Smith and signs of obvious nerves.

Will England live to regret that?

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:13 , George Flood

5 mins: First scrum goes to England as Tyrel Lomax is penalised for going in underneath Joe Marler and causing the collapse.

Marcus Smith steps up to the tee to try and give England an early 3-0 advantage...

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:12 , George Flood

3 mins: England are kicking from deep at every opportunity here, looking to turn around the All Blacks defence and exploit some space in behind.

Finau disrupts Chandler Cunningham-South at the England lineout and New Zealand end up with the put-in at the first scrum of the day.

New Zealand 0-0 England

08:10 , George Flood

2 mins: England look to attack early but it’s a hospital pass out wide to Tommy Freeman and the All Blacks aim to counter-attack fast.

The ball spins wide to flanker Samipeni Finau, but Felix Jones’ blitz defence stand firm as Marcus Smith barrels him into touch.

New Zealand vs England

08:09 , George Flood

Damian McKenzie kicks to get this series underway!

Can England seal a first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil since 2003 and only their third ever?

Nika Amashukeli of Georgia is today’s referee.

New Zealand vs England

08:06 , George Flood

Spine-tingling stuff as always as New Zealand throw down the pre-match challenge to England, who stand and face the Haka.

Some atmosphere in Dunedin.

This feels like a really special occasion.

New Zealand vs England

08:02 , George Flood

Time for the national anthems.

“God Save The King” up first, before "God Defend New Zealand".

Then we’ll have the New Zealand Haka.

New Zealand vs England

08:00 , George Flood

Here come the teams amid a brilliant atmosphere under the roof in Dunedin!

Jamie George leads out England, with Scott Barrett leading out New Zealand for the first time as All Blacks captain.

England all in white tonight, with the All Blacks now sporting a retro white collar on their famous home jerseys.

New Zealand vs England

07:58 , George Flood

Whispers on social media of an ‘interesting twist’ to the traditional New Zealand pre-match Haka today.

We’ll find out what that is very soon...

Steve Borthwick pays tribute to late Jack Rowell

07:52 , George Flood

English rugby lost a huge figure this week with the sad passing of Jack Rowell.

The former England and Bath head coach passed away at the age of 87.

Rowell won 21 of 29 Tests in charge of England between 1994-97, winning two Five Nations Grand Slams and getting to the 1995 World Cup semi-finals in South Africa.

"We are saddened to hear the passing of Jack Rowell and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," said Steve Borthwick.

"As a player at Bath, I had the privilege of working with him when he was director of rugby.

"He left a huge impression on me, not only as someone with incredible rugby knowledge, but also a fantastic man.

"His contribution to English rugby was enormous, and he will be sorely missed."

Kick-off approaching in Dunedin

07:43 , George Flood

All smiles ahead of kick-off in Dunedin, with England’s New Zealand-born back-rower Ethan Roots - a former Maori All Black - catching up with some familiar faces.

Ditto New Zealander Andrew Strawbridge, England’s assistant coach and advisor who could offer a key insight in how to topple the All Blacks this month.

Steve Borthwick: England mindset crucial against the All Blacks

07:32 , George Flood

Steve Borthwick is excited as England begin what for most remains the ultimate Test in rugby union - an away series in New Zealand.

He has called for his side to be smart, disciplined and physically uncompromising as they look to end that long 21-year wait for a Test victory over the All Blacks in their own backyard.

"It doesn't get more challenging than playing New Zealand at home, but it's exactly where we want to be,” Borthwick said this week.

"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 maintain our discipline.”

Scott Robertson: Beauden Barrett took surprise benching 'like a true pro'

07:20 , George Flood

There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Beauden Barrett was only named on the bench for Scott Robertson’s first match in charge of New Zealand today.

But the new head coach insists the 33-year-old star, who has 123 Test caps under his belt, had no complaints over the decision and would provide valuable cover at both full-back and fly-half.

He also extolled the virtues of Stephen Perofeta, who earns only his fourth cap in Dunedin having recently helped the Blues to end their 21-year title wait with a 41-10 thrashing of the Chiefs in an all-New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific final.

Barrett, meanwhile, has most recently been on a sabbatical playing in Japan with Toyota Verblitz.

"He took it like a true pro, whatever's required for this week," Robertson said.

"Obviously the experience of 123 Test matches counts for a lot, but also there's a guy (Perofeta) who was in form just two weeks ago in a Test match-level game in a final.

"And Beauden can play his part, covering 10 and 15."

07:10 , George Flood

Both bosses survey the pre-match scene in Dunedin, where kick-off is at 7:05pm local time.

Former All Blacks flanker and Crusaders boss Scott Robertson would dearly love to get his New Zealand campaign off and running with an emphatic win today, while a Test victory in New Zealand would be enormous vindication of Steve Borthwick’s early England project.

England aim to show untested All Blacks exactly who they are

06:52

Steve Borthwick’s England unknowns will meet Scott Robertson’s untested All Blacks in Dunedin today, with both teams looking to scratch a milestone itch, writes Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal.

New Zealand played entirely to type when one of their number this week admitted knowing next to no specifics on their opponents ahead of the First Test.

This time, it was the turn of wing Sevu Reece to fail to name any of his England counterparts, though Ardie Savea did at least namecheck opposite No8 Ben Earl.

The last time England toured New Zealand, in 2014, Brodie Retallick clutched as far as “Michael Lawes” in the straw stakes of attempting to name a Red Rose star.

Banged to naming rights again for the ever inward-looking All Blacks then, but England should not take that personally this time around.

Instead, they must seize this gilt-edged opportunity to make a genuine global name for themselves and this Borthwick tenure.

Read the match preview in full here

Forsyth Barr Stadium sold out for New Zealand's first 2024 Test

06:47 , George Flood

We will have a sold-out crowd at the 30,748-capacity Forsyth Barr Stadium this morning for New Zealand’s first Test of 2024.

England’s only previous match here was a gutting 28-27 loss in the second Test on their last tour a decade ago under Stuart Lancaster that saw Ben Smith, Julian Savea and Ma'a Nonu all strike in a second-half blitz for the All Blacks.

Marland Yarde had earlier given England the lead before late tries from Chris Ashton and Mike Brown.

England also lost twice in Dunedin at the old Carisbrook stadium in 1998 and 2004, thrashed on both occasions.

England are ready to attack the All Blacks, says George Furbank

06:37

George Furbank, now cemented as England’s starting full-back with Freddie Steward in the wider tour squad but unable to get back into the matchday set-up, is confident that the visitors can take the attack to the All Blacks in Dunedin today.

"There's definitely a sense of seeing opportunities and then backing ourselves to take them," the Northampton star said this week.

"We've got a very exciting young backline who want to be able to do that and the coaches have fully bought into that as well.

"We've got some very good and accurate kickers and some wingers who are pretty happy going and getting the ball back in the air. That's a big strength of ours that's clear to see.

"We've added some really good layers on to our attack as well. We've got a better understanding now as a group of where we want our attack to go and what we want our attack to look like."

England hunting first win in New Zealand since 2003

06:26 , George Flood

As mentioned, it is 21 years now since an England team under Sir Clive Woodward that would become world champions in Australia only a few months later claimed a hard-fought 15-13 victory in Wellington thanks to the boot of Jonny Wilkinson.

No English team has won on New Zealand soil since then, with tours in 2004, 2008 and 2014 all filled with frustrating Test defeats.

England have only beaten the All Blacks four times this century, in both 2002 and 2003 and then in the autumn of 2012 at Twickenham and in that memorable 2019 World Cup semi-final clash in Yokohama.

They are unbeaten now against New Zealand in back-to-back matches though, with that latter game followed by a thrilling 25-all draw at Twickenham in November 2022 when England scored 19 unanswered points in a stunning late comeback that included two tries from Will Stuart off the bench.

Below-par England were two tries down inside just nine minutes that day, but somehow stayed in the game and notched three of their own in the final eight minutes to claim a dramatic share of the spoils.

New Zealand vs England prediction

06:15 , George Flood

There is perhaps much more reason than usual for England to have some cautious optimism heading to New Zealand, with the All Blacks beginning a new era under the leadership of Scotts Robertson and Barrett.

They have not played since that agonising one-point World Cup final loss to the Springboks in Paris in October, while Steve Borthwick’s men by contrast have continued to build their rapport and momentum since their impressive World Cup showing with an improved Six Nations campaign and that thumping win over Japan.

It’s a largely settled England side now other than the front-row changes, with a cohesive back division and Marcus Smith showing precisely what he can do in attack against the Brave Blossoms with no George Ford or Owen Farrell standing in his way.

There are clear signs of progress being made under Borthwick, but not enough at this stage to be tipping them to upset the mighty All Blacks on New Zealand soil, I’m afraid.

While there are new faces in this NZ squad and they have lost experienced leaders in the likes of Sam Cane, it remains a star-studded affair with so many of the same stars still present and at the peak of their powers.

New Zealand to win.

New Zealand vs England lineups in full

06:07

New Zealand XV: S Perofeta; S Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, M Telea; D McKenzie, T Perenara; E de Groot, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Barrett (c), P Tuipulotu, S Finau, D Papali’i, A Savea

Replacements: A Aumua, O Tu’ungafasi, F Newell, T Vaa'i, L Jacobson, F Christie, A Lienert-Brown, B Barrett

England XV: G Furbank; I Feyi-Waboso, H Slade, O Lawrence, T Freeman; M Smith, A Mitchell; J Marler, J George (c), W Stuart; M Itoje, G Martin; C Cunningham-South, S Underhill, B Earl

Replacements: T Dan, F Baxter, D Cole, A Coles, T Curry, B Spencer, F Smith, O Sleightholme

England team news: Joe Marler and Will Stuart come in

06:05

Steve Borthwick has made only two changes to the team that started the eight-try, 52-17 thrashing of Eddie Jones’ inexperienced Japan side in a one-off warm-up Test in Tokyo a fortnight ago.

He’s changed both props, with Joe Marler and Will Stuart preferred to Bevan Rodd and Dan Cole.

Rodd isn’t even on the bench, while Cole will equal the great Jason Leonard as England’s second-most capped player of all time behind Ben Youngs when he comes on.

Otherwise it’s a settled side from Borthwick, with Marcus Smith again at fly-half having shone against Japan and with the likes of George Ford and Owen Farrell absent.

Jamie George leads the side from hooker, with Maro Itoje and George Martin in the second row. Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill and Ben Earl are the back row.

Alex Mitchell partners Smith at half-back, with Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade in the centres and a back three of Tommy Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank.

There have been a few switches on the bench, with only Tom Curry, Theo Dan and Fin Smith keeping their places.

Harlequins prop Fin Baxter is set to earn his England debut as a replacement, while Charlie Ewels is banned after his latest red card against Japan and replaced by Alex Coles.

Ben Spencer is preferred to Harry Randall as scrum-half cover, while Tom Roebuck makes way for Ollie Sleightholme after his Test debut in Japan.

Like Baxter, the Northampton wing is set for his England bow in Dunedin today.

New Zealand team news: Beauden Barrett on bench

05:57 , George Flood

One or two surprises from New Zealand boss Scott Robertson in his first lineup and the All Blacks’ first game since their agonising one-point loss to South Africa in the World Cup final in Paris in the autumn.

The likes of Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Aaron Smith have all retired, with Scott Barrett named as captain by the new boss.

But brother Beauden is only on the bench today, with the three-cap Stephen Perofeta selected at full-back and Damian McKenzie at fly-half with Richie Mo’unga now playing his club rugby in Japan.

Will Jordan is out as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery, with Sevu Reece lining up on the opposite flank to Mark Tele’a.

Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane is still the centre pairing, with the fit-again TJ Perenara at scrum-half.

The front row is unchanged, with Scott Barrett joined at lock by Patrick Tuipulotu and Ardie Savea accompanied in the back row by Samipeni Finau and Dalton Papali’i.

How to watch New Zealand vs England

05:50 , George Flood

TV channel: The first Test between New Zealand and England will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports.

Coverage gets underway on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action at 7:30am BST.

Live stream: Those with a subscription to Sky Sports can also catch the action live online via the Sky Go app.

Welcome to New Zealand vs England live coverage

05:48 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the first Test between New Zealand and England in Dunedin.

The Forsyth Barr Stadium is the venue for this morning’s blockbuster showdown as Steve Borthwick’s side look to become the first English team to beat the All Blacks in their own backyard since all the way back in 2003.

Kick-off is at 8:05am BST, so keep it right here for all the latest match build-up, team news and updates.

This should be a cracking contest to start a packed day of summer rugby action.