England 22 - New Zealand 30: Brave England make it tough

Dan Carter, playing in his 100th Test and wearing golden boots to match, kicked the conversion and then swapped penalties with Owen Farrell.

The rampaging Read was at the heart of all the New Zealand play and he scored their second try in the corner in the 17th minute to put them 17-3 ahead.

Anxiety swept through the crowd at such early dominance by the All Blacks. But England were playing with fiery conviction, competing with power and passion among the forwards. On 20 minutes, England resisted the temptation for an easy three points from a penalty and kicked for the corner, to the delight of their fans. The pressure eventually brought reward of a try from Launchbury after another possible score from a driving maul had been ruled out by TV replays.

Boldness favoured the brave.

Farrell converted and kicked two more penalties before the break to make it 16-20 at half-time, with Aaron Cruden, a substitute for the injured Carter, also on target with a penalty.

England’s heavy pressure in midfield won them two penalties in the 52nd and 59th minutes; both sent soaring through the posts by the unerring boot of Farrell.

The New Zealand coach Steve Hansen sat in the stands shaking his head. His fabled era of total domination and their 100 per cent record in 2013 was under severe threat. But four minutes with their noses in front was all England could manage as their opponents responded in style with some magical running from their backs, finished by a surging second try for Savea.

Crudden converted and then kicked another penalty to put victory out of reach for Lancaster’s men.

Afterwards, the head coach spoke of feeling ‘frustration and pride’ – emotions shared by a crowd whose faith in the side grows with each game.

There is something admirable about this England team, a spirit and an intensity that stirs the hearts of the faithful. As the clock ticked down to defeat, another chorus of Sweet Chariot filled the chill air.

No longer do they have to be daydream believers.

Article source: http://www.scotsman.com/former-scotland-rugby-centre-joe-mcpartlin-dies-1-3165046

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England 22 - New Zealand 30: Brave England make it tough