England 22-24 New Zealand: Steve Borthwick’s side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against the All Blacks after final quarter collapse and George Ford’s missed late penalty

The right post will shatter right through George Ford’s nightmares. England used their old rifle to get them through the final quarter, but the plan backfired when his 79th-minute penalty hit the woodwork and victory reflected in defeat.

For Steve Borthwick it was another case of so close and yet so far. Three defeats against the All Blacks this year, by a total of 10 points. This was his best chance to pick up a big scalp in the autumn series, but victory once again belonged to the men in black.

England led by two scores going into the final quarter as they defeated Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith. It felt like a statement – ​​an attempt to undermine their lead, rather than double down on the kill – and in the end it didn’t pay off.

New Zealand was against the ropes. Those bold black sweaters used to feel like armor, but this wasn’t vintage lace. Today the shirt feels like the yellow and green Brazilian football kit; a return to players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos.

Beauden Barrett is the last man of the All Black generation to put the fear of God into the opposition. The flickering fire of their global domination. Now he is surrounded by fresh faces and on Saturday it was 21-year-old flanker Wallace Sititi who carried them through.

Steve Borthwick’s side showed plenty of promise early in Saturday’s match

Marcus Smith proved to be a constant attacking threat in front of a baying Twickenham crowd

There are clear signs of progress in the English attack, but they lack a killer instinct. Smith was blindsided at times, but didn’t get a chance to get the job done.

Referees have been given new orders to block defensively under the high-ball and both coaching teams sniffed out an opportunity. Ben Spencer is the master of boxing at a six-pence and all the All Black analysts would be ready to get him started.

However, at the first ruck, within 30 seconds, he went to kick but instead passed the ball to Smith to play out of the 22. England’s early intention paid off, shaking up the Kiwi defensive structure and allowing Smith to kick the first points from the 22. game.

New Zealand lost experienced hooker Codie Taylor to a head injury and their set-piece suffered. Sititi attacked from a failed lineout and somehow smuggled the ball to Mark Telea who, with just a few meters to play, skinned Ellis Genge to score the opening try down the right wing. It was a release that would have made Sonny Bill Williams proud.

For an hour, Smith attacked flat on the line, causing problems for the Kiwi defense. The visitors were drowned by runners, resulting in misjudged tackles and a free fall penalty count.

But the All Blacks remained dangerous in their own right, with Wallace Sititi impressing

Big tackles came in at both ends, with Chandler Cunningham-South landing a huge hit on Tupou Vaa’i

But there were mistakes on both sides. Barrett spotted a hole in England’s defense – the first Test since the departure of Felix Jones – and switched to Will Jordan. The winger arced around Genge, moving from one corner to the other to score the Kiwis’ second.

It was not the highest quality test match between these countries, but there were intense moments. If the tackles were timed correctly, they were show stoppers. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was caught in the crossfire, while Chandler Cunningham South scored a hit on Tupou Vaa’i that nearly separated his body from his soul.

Smith missed a drop goal but his penalties left England only two points behind at the end of a well-balanced first half. And five minutes into the second half his magic helped England take the lead.

England threw bodies into a ruck in their 22, forcing young scrum-half Cortez Ratima to rush his pass. Smith intercepted him and sprinted from his half to bring the stadium to its feet.

Jordan and Rieko Ioane chased him but Smith used his ring work to buy time for his support runners, setting up Feyi-Waboso for his third try in as many Tests against the All Blacks. Smith kicked his points and England moved two scores clear.

After a late introduction, George Ford was given a golden opportunity to seal victory for England

But his kick hit the crossbar, meaning England missed a chance to claim a big win

With victory in sight, Borthwick parked the bus. Ford is a masterful player, but his introduction felt scripted. He had not played in a month due to injury, so the substitution did not reflect Smith’s growing influence on the flow of the game. Even the Kiwis were scratching their heads.

Ford motioned for his players to stay calm as they racked up some big defensive turnovers. A no-arms tackle from Ben Earl allowed Damian McKenzie to close the gap with a penalty, and the Kiwi’s pressure began to mount. England’s scrum dominance fell apart after they changed their entire front row and the momentum started to swing.

In the 77th minute, Telea, with a penalty advantage, struggled through Ford’s tackle and scored down the right wing. McKenzie pulled off a world-class conversion to take the lead, but England still had time to hit back.

Anton Lienert-Brown was convicted for a high tackle on Theo Dann and Ford had a chance to win. His kick rattled off the post, but the Kiwis fumbled with the rebound. There was a second bite at the cherry as he approached the drop goal area, but his shot sailed wide and left England feeling confident.