England beat New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012 in the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium. England gain 10 consecutive Test match wins with victory as momentum builds during the Steve Borthwick era
Last updated: 15/11/25 18:23
England fly-half George Ford celebrates the final whistle confirming victory against New Zealand
England won 33-19 at Twickenham, ending their 13-year wait for a home win against New Zealand.
The highly anticipated Allianz Stadium fell silent after less than 18 minutes, with tries from Lester Fainganuku and Cody Taylor giving the All Blacks a 12-0 lead with three minutes remaining.
But England changed the game just before half-time with a bulldozing try from Ollie Lawrence and two clever drop-goals from George Ford’s boot, and they were level by one.
England took the lead in the second half with tries from Sam Underhill and Fraser Dingwall, and despite Will Jordan’s try giving the All Blacks hope of a comeback, they never relinquished the lead.
Three more goals from Ford with five minutes left put England into a decisive two-goal lead, but Tom Roebuck scored England’s fourth try to put the All Blacks to bed for good.
Twickenham have not tasted victory over the All Blacks since 2012, but this spirited comeback has seen them claim their 10th successive Test win and perhaps the biggest of Steve Borthwick’s three-year reign.
England watch the haka before kick-off at Twickenham
Great day for England under Borthwick as All Blacks win
After accepting the challenge of an inverted V-shaped All Black haka, England, led by inspired fly-half Ford, fought hard, giving the New Zealand defense a thorough examination early on.
But England’s start lacked a clinical finishing touch – the All Blacks showed plenty of their instincts, exposing defensive vulnerabilities wide before Faingaanuku could sneak in.
Ollie Lawrence scores England’s first try against New Zealand
Ford’s full restart added to England’s early rebound, but Cam Rougaard’s superb 50/22 from the scrum put New Zealand on 22 points before hooker Taylor went over unopposed in a corner.
With Freddie Steward sent off with a head injury and Marcus Smith on the pitch, Ben Earl launched a counter-attack that quickly got the full-backs involved, ending with Fay-Waboso being stopped just in front of the line.
But England were not to be denied and they finally got into the game, with the attacking Lawrence breaking through two tackles to open the scoring in the 25th minute, and two drop goals from Ford cut New Zealand’s lead to just one point at half-time.
Fraser Dingwall celebrates after scoring England’s third try against the All Blacks
England took full advantage of All Blacks hooker Taylor’s hand sin-binning inside the ruck and soon took the lead for the first time when Underhill forced his way through.
Ford’s try was canceled for a knock-on, but Dingwall’s 55th-minute try showed that the tide had turned in the hosts’ favor and England’s momentum became unstoppable, before the so-called “Pom Squad” were brought on from the bench.
New Zealand took advantage after Earl was sent into the bin, sending Jordan unopposed and setting up a delicately poised finale, but England’s Ford penalty and Roebuck try ended any hopes of a comeback and sealed a famous victory.
Tom Roebuck scores England’s fourth try to seal victory against New Zealand
Ford: Lowering the target is ‘always in the plan’
Man of the match George Ford: “It was a difficult game. We lost 12-0 but we came back really well. After the yellow card we had to resolve some things. We had to be calm, calm and give the right message to the players.”
“I actually thought we had a really good start and then we lost 12-0, which happens sometimes.
“The usual plan (drop goals) is to score something when I get into position and keep the scoreboard moving.”
George Ford connects with a drop goal to close the gap between England and New Zealand
Itoje: We are a great team.
England captain Maro Itoje: “I have a lot of faith in this team. I think we’re a great team, a great coaching staff and a great squad. Today was representative of the whole team.”
“You just have to do the next thing. Sometimes when you’re behind, you get distracted by the scoreline and think about the end result. You just have to focus on the next thing.”
“So many players were great. The bench did it again, some of them. When you look at the players on pitch side, the energy they give to this stadium and this team is amazing.”
What’s next?
England conclude their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Argentina on Sunday at 4.10pm, while New Zealand face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday at 3.10pm.
