NEW ZEALAND vs ENGLAND | FULL TIME HOT-TAKES

What a Test Match. An epic in Dunedin. My immediate thoughts following the final whistle. Let me know yours in the comments.

[@AllBlacks]

Great commentary, thank you. England are a great team. Looking forward to the next Test!

[@CharlCrowie1]

Fin Baxter's the biggest 12 year old I've ever seen

[@ashleysumner5803]

As an expat nzer living in London, your game appraisal is always the best. Rugby needs more like you

[@kylelouer4323]

Young Finn Baxter with a huge shift. Brave kid to go out there and just dive right in. He’ll be around a long time

[@polarbearfelly]

International rugby is in such an amazing place right now. I absolutely would not want as a rugby fan to see the days when it was 2 or 3 teams and then everyone else far behind. Having such a high level of competition at the highest level (and all levels) is fantastic!!

[@ho6277]

I agree totally, that's why the comments of nz not being unbeatable anymore is so silly, isn't that what everyone wanted, there is no difference between the top five on any given saturday

[@johngraham5948]

​@@ho6277if anyone says the ABS have lost their aura again I'll puke

[@nicobr00]

@johngraham5948 they have

[@JOATMOFA]

@@johngraham5948 OK - how about ..."the All Blacks lost their edge?"

[@zwet4269]

@@ho6277 Hopefully Wales and Australia wake up, 2027 WC would be so great

[@drh02]

As an ABs fan, the English loose forwards were brilliant. I also really like the English fullback.

[@rukaks]

The guy was excellent on both sides of the ball

[@Mikaere87]

Kiwi here - was really impressed by England. Really like their style. The fullback and number 6 were fantastic. ABs were lucky to sneak the win. I hope England turn up next week and continue to push our team. We need the pressure to prepare us for a huge 2 game trip to South Africa.

[@gihanwelagedara1482]

Dmac High ball Taking is Another Level Today and Short and Long Passes done by Dmac Excelent ❤🔥🖤

[@ShaheedManie-nd4os]

@@gihanwelagedara1482 absolutely dmac colossal nxt week more physicality abs need it for the boks moving forward

[@konefesa]

His coal kicking was shit.

[@martinjacobsz7779]

England showed up big time. Lots to be proud of Tim, well done to both teams for a clean and exciting game.

[@wynandvanzyl8798]

Baxter at 22 has amazed me. As a Springbok supporter, I am neutral in this game but loved England's aggression. What an exciting game. I am so glad to see England improve from the Eddy Jones era. Steve Borthwick is doing an excellent job, and I can see Felix Jones' signature in this game. He is a great asset to England. And a hard worker.

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

Ja die jong man gaan n lang loopbaan hê.

[@Greg-ql8yt]

How is Borthwick doing an excellent job? This is the best prepared English team to Nz in over 20 years and they could not win. Isn’t that Borthwicks job? (You can’t say they’re improving against such a poor AB team - that was backwards from the Ireland win).

[@alexanderskitch687]

Love the negativity. You can practically taste it! @Greg-ql8yt

[@Greg-ql8yt]

@@alexanderskitch687 - do you think that AB team was better than the Irish team and in the 6N? I don’t - how can England be improving if they lost to a worse team?

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

@@Greg-ql8yt They were playing in New Zealand for one and the ABs also beat the Irish the last time they played so...?

[@ThabangNong-bl6do]

Borthwick is Definetly cooking something special with this team and the addition of Felix Jones is a masterstroke because he is replicating the springbok defence system .

[@peterlangan1181]

Watching England v the Boks in the World Cup they appeared to be copying the 2019 Boks plan. I said then Borthwick will copy the 2023Boks plan now and you can see it in this game. They are getting there, however Rassie is busy with a new plan now. Can’t wait.

[@willemsteyn7808]

Funny that England choose to follow the SA way and not the so called exciting NZ way. Guess not everybody thinks like old Fozzie who always had his mouth full.

[@marnolaubscher9465]

Mate, as a South African, England played very well FULL STOP. They brought it to NZ.

[@davyyyyyyyyysyysyysy]

Appreciated! Looking forwards to the next bocs England game, will be fun

[@rangitohiakahukiwa7090]

So did Ireland lol

[@scionoforion]

That was such a banger! Old fashioned, hard nosed, beautiful

[@ShaheedManie-nd4os]

@@scionoforion absolutely Abs need to get 100 % lineout still some probs otherwise im happy good one razor more physicality

[@DavidSmith-yi8ou]

Happy with the result against that English side. They’re very good. Bench made a difference for the ABs as did the change in tactics to box kick and play territory with a tight game. That young English prop that subbed on for Marler did well given the occasion and fact it was his debut.

[@hithere3035]

Great game to watch. Being English I'd hate to see any negative England comments from England fans on that performance, to go to All blacks in their home yard to play a game like that to be so close i think you should only take positives. I've seen a couple comments on instagram post saying Smith lost the game because of kicking, but it's swings and roundabouts, he also made some important tackles and assisted our try. I think overall All Blacks deserved to win but i'm still happy with our performance. Felix Jones hasn't been our defence coach that long but it's starting to come together. Sets up for another hopefully tight 2nd test game!

[@kev63inuk]

@@hithere3035Hithere great post . Totally agree great performance from England ,and we expected it from this promising side. That’s a long way from whet we expected and got from this team when Borthers took over . Bench was the difference and England will be better for this experience,Chessum Ford and Genge have been missed in that respect 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@markthompson7817]

Give the young English prop another four or five seasons and he could be very dominant, hope he grows to his potential.

[@reubenmartin934]

Test Match rugby at its finest regardless of result

[@joeritchie2]

And how good was Sevu Reece! Besides the try, several line breaks, breakdown turnovers and several bone-crunching tackles after a year and a half away from test footie. The England fullback and Itoje also looked brilliant.

[@ExcitedLemur-uc6vk]

George Furbank is a superstar ✨️

[@corinnegourley7125]

I find your analysis so objective and that is fascinating to listen to.

[@emillsteenkamp2629]

"England put on a 12 year old" rocked me! Cheers mate and enjoy Loftus, the whole country is green and gold today!

[@andrewah-voa8408]

babyface assassin

[@ZandreDurand]

I just love Test match rugby, what a game both sides were in it

[@sakabula2357]

Almost like a Super rugby game..

[@pieterbouwsema7556]

Hope Baxter starts next week... feel he was great for the 65 mins he was on after Joe went off

[@gordongraff9727]

In saying that .Nz first time together 10days new team ,new coaching staff , everything all new era I believe ABs will develop into something special

[@diarmuidquirke4604]

What a game....

[@melodysleeping3807]

As a neutral that ref was wonderful when it came to time and signalling. Banger match.

[@santosl.harper4471]

ref was terrible

[@Andy_M986]

His reactions were mostly delayed though.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

@@melodysleeping3807 thought he was a bit weird or inexperienced with the scrums and missed some field play but largely made mistakes in both directions on the field

[@Newcastle423]

He give every single 50 50 to newzealand

[@paulcrosland6693]

Christie knocked on close to the end………and the ref said play on!!!!!!!That should have been an England ball. Jordie was really quiet and off his game I can’t understand McKenzie kicking away so much ball. I don’t think that he is the future 10 for the AB’s. With Beaudons intro, things went better I don’t think the tight 5 for NZ or England are the real deal

[@jakemiddleton5266]

Maybe I am alone in this - but, kicking aside, that felt like Marcus Smith's best game in an England shirt. Defensively he seemed to make every tackle - including a few hard one on ones which stopped half breaks. In offence, he ran the show really well. No big individual moments, but kept the attack ticking over. That said, it seemed to be an England tactic to grubber kick in the 22. One from Smith was ok (mostly due to a really good chase from Marcus), and two from Slade, one which was poor and one which was blocked. And, I would just point out that the missed kicks weren't the difference. In total England dropped 8 points from kicks, NZ 7 (2 missed conversions, 1 timed-out penalty). So at face level, a draw at best (with NZ dominating possession and territory in the last 20, likely they would still have gone on to win). But, one missed kick resulted in a restart from NZ which England went on to get a try from. So took 5 points rather than 3. So the missed kicks resulted in -5 (with + 2 from a try) from kicks by England, -7 from NZ. If both sides got their kicks, NZ would likely have won by more. The real difference between the teams seemed to be the scrums, and the strength of the substitutes. Beauden Barrett came on and out territory gamed Mitchell and Marcus, and then Finn Smith and Spencer, in part because we lost a bit of go forward and tried to tighten up. Would have preferred to see England open up, instead of tighten up in the last 20. Those deeper kicks, with Feyi-Waboso, Furbank and Marcus still on could have been countered, rather than trying to out squeeze a more experienced kicking core. Overall, great game. Including the semi-final of the WC, England have lost by 1 points to SA & NZ (away), beaten Ireland (home) and lost by 2 points to France (away). Feels like the gap between England and the big 4 has really narrowed.

[@Nesretepm]

I enjoyed the game. I love that England, Ireland, SAF, France, and NZ are in a very competitive group in world rugby. The days of NZ and SAF dominance are over for now, and the NH teams have come into play.

[@KevinNangle-r5p]

Marcus Smith's missed kicks came back to haunt England

[@Narapoia1]

@@KevinNangle-r5p it's why we got Pollard back into the squad at the WC when Manie was misfiring. It's the difference between winning and losing at this level. You can't leave 9 points on the pitch!

[@johngraham5948]

@@KevinNangle-r5p Jordy Barrett and Richie Moungas missed kicks in the World cup final still haunt us "what if"

[@jakemiddleton5266]

They actually didn't. In total England dropped 8 points from kicks, NZ 7 (2 missed conversions, 1 timed-out penalty). But, one missed kick resulted in a restart from NZ which England went on to get a try from. So took 5 points rather than 3. So the missed kicks resulted in -5 (with + 2 from a try) from kicks by England, -7 from NZ.

[@andrewah-voa8408]

both kickers were off leaving 8 points behind so they cancelled each other out.

[@coatknight]

​@Narapoia1 Pollard started well against the Irish and then went pearshaped for 3 kicks. Valid criticism against Pollard that he raises his game during World Cups or against the ABs but other times goes missing.

[@jivekiwi]

Awesome game! Both teams look like they have good squads that while a bit rusty now, have the foundations well set for the future! What a weekend... Rugby heaven!

[@MrDude-ht3rv]

Good game from England. That rush defence that they took from the springboks is starting to work for them.Well done to the all Blacks as well

[@Valhalla88888]

mostly offside as well

[@kenrehill8775]

Rush defence has been around since was playing at LIrish in 93-94

[@MrDude-ht3rv]

Good to know but they are coping it from the Boks coz why else is Felix Jones there, & where did he coach before England

[@gb11712]

The passion for our beloved game of rugby is now at an all time high..I'm putting my money on the next world cup final is between England and South Africa

[@superbowljoel01]

Steve Borthwick is quietly building a very formidable team in England. He made us stand with that world cup performance. This has cemented the fact that they're no flash in the pan.

[@duncanhunter2714]

Wait for Razor to build his.

[@tims1542]

"No flash in the pan" ..... perhaps "Turd in the bowl" ?😂😂 just kidding!! They're looking better than 12 months ago. Love from springbok supporter ❤️

[@superbowljoel01]

@@tims1542 I'm not English or an England supporter. Just acknowledging the progress they've made

[@tims1542]

@superbowljoel01 absolutely agree mate 👍

[@samoday2992]

Borthwick was brilliant with Leicester. Turned them around very quickly . Was very pleased when he replaced Jones

[@avi8ordude]

Baxter looked like a giant foetus, great future! England deserved to win, really like this England team and coach.

[@Valhalla88888]

delusional ABs were far better

[@sw0lie750]

Your fears about our lack of props were very well realised 😅

[@Tom_McMurtry]

But wiley! The experienced props stepped back in the scrum before the ball was put in a few times which let them get away with not being pushed a few times

[@06alepea1]

De Groot got away with murder for most of the time he was on the pitch. Ref finally caught on and he was pinged.

[@kurupt7154]

@@06alepea1 he didn’t get away with murder he was dominating his opposing number

[@user-lc2nq2vu1m]

​@06alepea1 yes as soon as he was pinged Razor subbed him as the ref was onto him. Clever tactics

[@DD-RSA]

He kept pushing upwards not straight. Think they had a word with the ref at half time

[@Ernesto_Sergio]

Thanks for the quick thoughts and analysis Tim!

[@zimboy777]

respect for England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 as a Saffa very impressed by the commitment and accuracy displayed- they had the ABs on the ropes and watch out next test 👏

[@ryanlees7246]

And there it is been refreshing for the last 10 mins😂

[@normanharris6023]

The match was awesome....nothing like it...!!

[@Narapoia1]

What a great match, what a legend Eggchasers. Love your commentary. Keep it up and looking forward to more epic rugby this weekend.

[@Davidvx1468]

Awesome Springbok type defence from England 😌👏🏼

[@laurencegoodacre8428]

A Bok-style defence built by an Irishman, now used by England 😂 certainly is an international game! Good luck to the Boks and Irish today, buzzing for that one 🎉

[@Davidvx1468]

@laurencegoodacre8428 lol actually..Jacques Nienaber was the defence coach.😉🇿🇦but Felix knows how we operate 👌

[@gunner4life568]

​@@laurencegoodacre8428 Jacques was the defense coach and Felix was the attack coach mate

[@laurencegoodacre8428]

@@Davidvx1468 I thought he was brought in pre 2019 as a "defence consultant" and created the system ahead of the WC but if I'm wrong I stand corrected! That was the story I read before the 6 nations anyway!

[@Davidvx1468]

@laurencegoodacre8428 you're correct, he was brought in as a consultant, but the defence department was largely Nienaber's baby. But Hats off to Felix tho, he was definitely a net positive, especially from a technical standpoint 💯

[@duncanwcraig9668]

kiwi here. watched the game in Sydney with some lovely England chaps at the AB's Supporters Bar. I thought England's defence and loosies was immense. They are the real deal. Razor has alot of work ahead of him.

[@idgaf2024]

??? NZ figured it out they adapted, they changed, the fronted up late in the game and overcome them. Razor won us that made early changes and adapted on the fly. He’s gonna be a great coach

[@speak_your_truth.]

​@@idgaf2024???

[@icefarrow7959]

​@idgaf2024 Bro, what? I was at the game, England's rush defence was very good. We didn't overcome it, hence the emphasis on penalty goals in the second half.

[@BoulderAndy]

Great game England looked great not the finished article but really positive stuff, what a performance from Finn Baxter

[@BradMcAlpine]

It was a huge battle at the breakdown. England deserved to win as their all round play was fantastic. Our ABs physically had to hang on. I hate our terrible booing crowds. Can't wait for next weekend.

[@BradMcAlpine]

Epic test.

[@dakalodk]

England could have won that. In test rugby, every point counts.

[@richdv6800]

Yea definitely, why on earth did they kick the ball away pretty much every time the last 10 or so minutes!!

[@Doctor_PDFile]

Nah nz kicker missed 7 points plus they made two errors that would have led to tries

[@speak_your_truth.]

😂😂🤫

[@markthompson7817]

@@richdv6800because when they ran it they were getting smashed behind the gain line. Then we have a turnover and England scores. Except for Reece the AB kick chase was poor. They do come up in one wall across the field but at least one or two kick chasers would have helped.

[@Trajan2401]

If NZ didn't have bad hands they wouldve romped England the amount of times they dropped the ball hot on attack was frustrating definitely rusty.

[@ShaheedManie-nd4os]

D MAC was enormous the skill,passes vision gr8.razor bringing tht old physicality back lots to do though first game,but boy wht a game...eng rush def..diff eng side now cnt wait for nxt week😊

[@andrewah-voa8408]

just practice kicking cause there will be wind at the garden...

[@mornevandyk2712]

Could this be a 1 all series?? Hard luck England, congrats NZ man what a test!

[@Tom_McMurtry]

That would mean NZ losing their Eden park win record. It will be their second game together so they should improve.

[@ho6277]

I think anyone can win on any Saturday now in the top 5, isn't that what everyone wanted

[@EatDeze]

They definitely not breaking the record and not beating the abs after a game time together now

[@mrsmooth6456]

@@ho627730 years and 60 games unbeaten at Eden Park. I would love England to win, but I can’t see it happening sadly. Arguably the hardest achievement in rugby

[@korocam9137]

The All Blacks will be better next week after this tough match. Eden park is difficult to play in for visiting teams.

[@joeritchie2]

What a match! Could have gone either way. Also: One of the most ferocious kapa o’pango haka performances I’ve ever seen the All Blacks do. You knew an intense match would follow.

[@jamesstorms536]

Fantastic game and fantastic performance from both teams. Felt like England lost a bit of edge after the bench was emptied, the on coming players didn’t find quite the impact that the starters did. Cunningham-South was stand out incredible.

[@frankob64]

Baxter should get a mohalk , he slipped onto Maler`s shoe like an expert ..brilliant

[@rippedup1931]

Yeah…started of with a penalty. That’s definitely a Marler trait

[@charleschurch4901]

I would say that New Zealand was lucky to win. They got the 50/50 calls. If England had a kicker the score would be different.

[@president6645]

England can be proud....they are a world class team and if they improve their scrumming will be a world beating force.

[@stevecoombes2375]

Great review as always. Thank you.

[@Alex-mj5dv]

Smith will rue his missed kicks. One being a real sitter. Should have let Slade take over. Ben Spencer not the person to bring on in a frantic last quarter when you need to spark something… when in the lead comfortably, then yes, defensively box kick until the final whistle. Also he was ponderous at that maul edging into their 22 and that was a huge mistake. Sometimes waiting on a 50/50 penalty call does not work - particularly against NZ. We looked most dangerous with Mitchell not standing on ceremony and whipping it away from the base.

[@joedennehy386]

Yeh I was amazed, behind on the scoreboard 5 to go and he is delaying his clearance by forming a caterpillar??????

[@Alex-mj5dv]

@@joedennehy386 ridiculous - there is a time for ultra defensive pragmatism but that wasn’t it - you need to bury the ABs properly - especially at home. Waiting on dubious calls at mauls and breakdowns, slapping opponents arses at the breakdown whinging for pens … that’s not the way to win against them, especially around the 10 metre line each side of halfway.

[@Andy_M986]

McKenzie as well, missed more then he got, and prone to forward passes.

[@cybertrophic]

Earl missing two easy tackles to gift tries to the kiwis was more of an issue.

[@Alex-mj5dv]

@@cybertrophic agree - I think one particularly was due to the person outside him disconnecting though in the fly-up?? Can’t recall who. That’s the dog leg propensity of a blitz defence if the line isn’t ultra connected in one smooth motion press

[@benkay1390]

Good game. Scary to thing how high NZ ceiling might be considering that only had 3 trainings together

[@Sulshy]

A great game, felt like England are building. Dare I say it, gave me 2003 squad vibes, really connected plays and players 👌

[@chrisdutoit8843]

This game could have gone both ways. Good game . Well done NZ

[@kennyg-cyclingmythology6345]

Marcus Smith is the new Manie Libbock. 🤣🤣 Now England know how the Boks feel after the Irish game

[@krazynz]

@@kennyg-cyclingmythology6345 Marcus Libbok

[@shanegilbert6574]

That's a crappy way to lose. Knowing if he slotted all his kicks they comfortably win by 7

[@marksony6123]

They need Handré Farrell

[@karl5599]

​@marksony6123 no they need Ford back from injury.

[@ashwen4166]

Euphoria

[@matthewvanrensburg3824]

So many points left on the field by the kickers... Just crazy.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Damien just missed a couple from the sidelines however. The wind at the roofed stadium in Dunedin is deceptive for kickers unused to it

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

​@@Tom_McMurtryhow is there wind if it is enclosed??

[@Tom_McMurtry]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 there's still big opening entrences into the side of the stadium

[@matthewvanrensburg3824]

@@Tom_McMurtry Excuse for the touring side, maybe, but home team, don't think so. And dont forget his timed out kick. Kicking was just terrible

[@Tom_McMurtry]

@@matthewvanrensburg3824 yes excuse for the touring side. Damien a two kicks were out right by the touch line so fair enough to miss. He shouldn't have timed out that last penalty though. That was bad.

[@Aldovd21]

Just watched the game👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well done by both teams. Man of the match was definitely the Ref. He was absolutely brilliant, I would not mind if he handled a world cup final.

[@carlh296]

LOVE your reviews Tim, great job.

[@timbaker4253]

As a Bok supporter I feel for England. Could have won that but for missed kicks. Seen this movie so many times before when teams play in NZ.

[@jaredwilson28]

Nz missed 3 kicks 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@davejordan267]

As a Kiwi, how bloody good was furbank.

[@thereader6667]

I shat myself every time Mark Talia got the ball

[@dgoodall]

He’s class, especially now he has worked hard to build the strength needed at this level

[@dec1m8]

Props to both teams esp the ABs considering they’ve only been together for a little over a week before this clash

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

So now, a one point Game also benefits Razor and NOT ONLY the Bokke…Ironic how the saga of the Game of RF plays its own script relentlessly England should’ve won, but it was Razor’s turn to make it to the draw with finding a way to win You are spot on there Tim… Great posting, thanks‼️ 👊🔥 🪖

[@Natedawg38]

Hard luck england. Just a Marcus Smith kick away from an amazing victory. Loving this English team ever since they nearly made it to the wc final after a disastrous 2023. Quite the turnaround.

[@kurupt7154]

“England brought on a 12 year old” good to know I’m not the only one who seen his baby face and thought who let the school kid on the field 😂

[@icefarrow7959]

Dude really has a big time baby face.

[@Smooth-de7xw]

🤣 he did have a baby face and played well

[@denisg4288]

Wow Tim. Getting towards the 100k. Brilliant and deserved.

[@blu-young-enterprise]

One of the best test matches ✨✨✨

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

Im a saffer, what a pity england didn't play harder to clinch it

[@navinpatel5688]

Up against a full strength england side. that was a great start to the season by NZ.

[@BertFlashman]

Not full strength. England were missing a few starters from the six nations. Ford, genge and chessum.

[@idgaf2024]

⁠@@BertFlashman No Cam Roigard, No Will Jordan, No worries

[@SteveEdwards-kh5hg]

​@idgaf2024 no coles,retallick,whitelock,cane frizzel,Smith,faianganuku,mouanga either.😂to lose all those places too from WC final team I say we'll done razor.😊

[@BertFlashman]

@@SteveEdwards-kh5hg Farrell, Lawes, Watson, Tuilangi, Marchant, Willis, Arundel. We can all play that game.

[@SteveEdwards-kh5hg]

@@BertFlashman yep fair call there.lol.so u just had the six nations games.ummm Wales lost,Ireland lost and England lost lol all to teams playing their first tests of the yr.lol.

[@danbleakman874]

Great game of rugby and privileged to watch as an Englishman, sat in a sea of Black. A lot of comments I heard around me were: Shit, those English forwards are tough (Earl and South particularly) and plenty of praise for George Furbank at 15 too. They loved his running from deep. Baxter for his first cap... what a way to start. I actually think he helped shore up the scrum more so as the game went on. He'll have grown ten years after that experience, which still only makes him 22 :) Could have gone either way, but what matters more is how England showed up. If you watch the second half, the blitz defence put that much pressure on Dmac, that he was constantly going backwards and his only option was to kick. I wouldn't be surprised if England did one over the ABs in Auckland. History is against them, but heck, history is exactly that.

[@Edgycoo]

England looked very crisp. Goal kicking aside, i was impressed with their defence. Made us change tactics second half as we were running into a wall.

[@garethrichmond4388]

Man what an absolute treat of a game rugby. Soooooo ggggggoooddddd

[@aaronreid116]

Great game!..thought the ref was a bit against New Zealand but overall they deserved the win. England should be very proud!👏👏

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Wins the game, but still Blames the ref 😂😂. Kiwis are never happy unless it's a 30+ beat down win. Perhaps double check players positioning and remember that they are used to being officiated by their own hometown refs (getting away with a lot around the ruck)

[@wlk2408]

What game did you watch? The ref was man of the match for New Zealand. Even Scott Barrett mentioned they were lucky with the refs call at the end of the game. 😂

[@Coconautify]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 You must be either English or a Saffa... Talk about ruck?! England practically lived on the NZ side, flopping all over the ball. Guess you see it the way you want to.

[@aaronreid116]

I'm from Ireland lads..just the way I saw the game🤷‍♂️

[@wlk2408]

@@Coconautify I guess your captain Scott Barrett is also English or a Saffa?🤣

[@Boatdrink]

Superb game, proud of the lads.

[@phillipegen8471]

England played really well. We were lucky to win it. I think both teams were great. Was an awesome test match. And it's really great to see other countries really push us to the max. World Rugby is on a good path to being really competitive now with multiple countries really challenging each other

[@saracen888]

* couldn’t watch the game * Opening line: “What a test match” Me: Fackkkkkkkkk

[@tobymcflurry258]

Wow im finally seeing borthwicks vision, we played fantastic and flowing attacking rugby whilst remaining physical and solid in defence. really pleased and roll on the next game 🔥

[@lukemac695]

Not a bad start to a world cup cycle for England is it- so much there already to build on. Exciting stuff. With you on wanting all the top teams to be firing. Great content thanks.

[@chfeeke4764]

I love the fact that the ref let things go at the breakdown. It gave the game a little more flow.

[@shaunspies1108]

Kirwan must be so proud of the great running Rugby the all blacks just won with.....right? 😂 Could not help myself, thank you for a great show Tim, love having you as our guest.

[@johngraham5948]

@@shaunspies1108 as an ABs supporter expectations and reality are two different things that was as expected a tough day at the office

[@idgaf2024]

In Kirwans defence he’s talking about far ahead in the future. Exactly why Rassie hired Tony Brown

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

@@idgaf2024 Kirwan has no defense ... his default mode is "Foot-in-mouth Mode". How do you guys put up with his attention seeking?

[@Godisgood1980SA]

Are we seeing an All Black team.who has lost that fear and respect factor?

[@jerrybuirski2344]

Ever since Kirwan was the only AB who didn't come on that rebel tour all those years ago he has hated SA and the Boks.

[@cdaly3561]

No cards! What a rarity and improved the game

[@joshdnorris1994]

Well spotted! And as you said made the game that much better for it!

[@SamWhite-no6dd]

Ridiculous comment obviously from a kiwi. If a play warrants a card then a competent ref will act accordingly. It has nothing to do with the ref wanting to not ruin the game. You should tell your team to work on their discipline instead

[@cdaly3561]

@@SamWhite-no6ddit’s not a strange take to feel that cards are used more than they should. Since 10 years ago red cards have gone from almost never being used to being commonplace. It’s a directive and not everyone agrees with it. And when games don’t have cards they are better for everyone

[@SamWhite-no6dd]

@@cdaly3561 yes and if you have been keeping up with proceedings, you'd know that studies have found that contact to the head causes all sorts of health problems later down the line. Hence the directive to stamp it out of the game with red card sanctions.

[@speak_your_truth.]

​@@SamWhite-no6ddyour stupid

[@johanroos3265]

Tim…love your analysis, well done.

[@timslade5808]

Nick Evans made a very good point on Sky Sports. This was the one England would have targeted and almost needed to win, NZ are only going to get better after being in camp for only 10 days and now going to Eden Park where they have not lost in god knows how long. It will be hugely difficult for England to back this up

[@paulhenry2011]

Exactly

[@NTL578]

Don't agree, you're not just going to get another 10% next week off the back of one game. Should be tight again next week

[@joedennehy386]

1994 they last lost, but New Zealand will get better for the run

[@Chess323]

I recon NZ will win again next week, tough to beat the AB's at Eden Park!

[@timslade5808]

@@NTL578 Tell that to Ireland after losing the first test in NZ

[@barrygormley]

Great game for the neutral. last penalty call was pretty tough on England, thought the NZ players threw themselves straight off feet on the wrong side of the ball and prevented any chance of presenting the ball back. Ref did have a great game though. He's really becoming one of the best in the game. Incredibly fine margins. NZ already looking very sharp at times and scary to think how they'll improve over time.

[@Andy_M986]

The ref looked confused a few times, delayed Calls, steady game,but still needs a bit of work,with experience,he will get it.

[@wlk2408]

Yes even Scott Barrett mentioned they were lucky that last call went their way. I thought the crock role is not allowed anymore. I stopped counting the amount of times the All Black chacers were in front of the kicker from box kicks. New Zealand benifited from good calls at very crucial stages.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@Andy_M986 The ref was as good as we can expect any referee to be. As a neutral, I thought that a couple of decisions were a bit strange but it was a consistent performance and fair contest. Taking a dig at SOME New Zealand fans and pundits... I was having a chuckle at the cheers from the home crowd when the TMO interjected and gave the home team the advantage (croc roll and who was to get the lineout). I thought they didn't want the TMO involved? Dig over, it was nice to see not only the TMO getting involved in an attempt to ensure a fair contest, but also (and here I have to side with the NZ fans) quickly and efficiently without 20 minutes wasted looking at a screen for a simple knock on.

[@laurencegoodacre8428]

As an England fan, I thought the ref was fine. Tight calls to both sides, only one I was annoyed about was De Groot not getting pinged at scrum time for the angle he was driving at. But thought he had a very good game and didn't get involved where things could be left. That being said, how long a advantage was he giving 😂

[@ho6277]

Personally I think it's getting really boring complaining about refs😅doesn't help much does it. When the springboks won three games in a row with a point, everyone was told to get over it and not be salty and blaming refs, we'll I agree with those people, and I am a nz fan, refs dont win games for you, you got 80 mins to win a game

[@rangitohiakahukiwa7090]

Test match at its best England made the ABs work really enjoyed the game

[@Tehui1974]

As a NZ fan, I enjoyed the game, but I was disappointed by the ABs performance. It was a 50/50 game that could easily have gone in England's favour. The ABs clearly have not yet found a consistent, successful counter to the English rush defense. However, it's their first game under the new AB coaching set up, so I give them the benefit of the doubt. Look forward to the second match.

[@richardscanlan3419]

The AB's haven't found a counter to the rush defense ever since it came into vogue c 2017. and btw, call the rush defence what it really is i.e offside play.The English were pretty much offside all game.

[@Tehui1974]

@@richardscanlan3419 Nah, the rush defence pushes up fast, with the last defender targeting the second channel. The aim of the defence is to prevent the ball going wide and keep the ball in the middle of the field. I'd like to see the ABs take a leaf out of Ireland's books about how to successfully counter it.

[@richardscanlan3419]

@@Tehui1974 I think the only way to counter it is keeping your attack in close and just driving up the middle.You will then force the defensive screen to come in and that has to create space out wide. This should be obvious to Razor,what I saw from the AB's was the usual spreading the ball just for the sake of it. The template is there for Robertson - look no further than how the Blues played this yr.

[@G-regTaylor]

The booing was outrageous, can't belive you liked it Tim!

[@gunner4life568]

I like it also why make it hospitable for the opposition plus respecting the kicker means nothing

[@murraysmith595]

Different cultures. The Silence is a NH thing. Irish started it. In the SH we boo or in Argentina whistle 😂😂

[@gunner4life568]

@@murraysmith595 I agree otherwise the home advantage is non existent when the fans keep quiet if I was a player I would love the challenge of playing in a hostile environment

[@citedcanvas85]

Yeah what was the booing about

[@gregveckranges2030]

This was a banger of a game!

[@lpchappy]

Awesome summary mate😊. No bias, just a Rugby fan, which is refreshing to hear. Keep up the great work.

[@andrews1289]

Credit to NZ their scrum and breakdown won them the game. Scrummaging legailty was questionable at time. Marcus Smith will be singled out for leaving 8 points on the pitch from some fairly straightforward positions. Wasn't in the script for Finn Baxter to come on so early but he put in a great performance. England will benefit in the long term form these games as they collectively gain more experience. NZ will be better next week. That feels like one that got away but a great game.

[@foley3127]

Insane man, wish smith lowered his Ego and let slade kick, left 9 points out there

[@paulhenry2011]

yeah yeah..always what ifs.. McKenzie left points out there as well..swings and roundabouts..

[@henrymilleruk100]

😂

[@foley3127]

@@paulhenry2011 if both kicked all the points england still win lol, never said we shoulda won tho, nz deserved it, just said it was a good game, not need to get mad about it 😂

[@eazyollie9370]

​@@paulhenry2011 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@Gilescowdemdem]

It would have been a draw. Smith kissed 6 points ABs left 7 out there if you include the time out kick ​@@foley3127

[@rabbitss11]

Damn, that was so close. Glad the AB's changed their game-plan in the 2nd half, they really had to after all that nonsense at the end of the first half - just kick it out! The AB's kicks from hand were 12 in 1st half but 22 times in the 2nd half, that was what saved them.

[@duncanhunter2714]

Agreed. I was screaming at the TV. Kick it out..!!!!!

[@janevanreenen8768]

Great analysis as always👍🏼

[@vuyaniman9440]

England have themselves to blame. Left points on the field. I don’t think NZ will be that bad next week. England seemed a bit clueless in the second half, never really looked like scoring. Just my take.

[@geofflecren8827]

But so did the ABs, score at half time could have easily been 14-7 with 2 missed conversions and a penalty after the siren.

[@mpumelelo8590]

I’ve said this before, Of all the NH teams, England stands a better chance of challenging for the WC in 2027. I hope they don’t abandon this project no matter what happens between now and then. They know how to play the conditions and the tournament

[@speak_your_truth.]

Why would they?

[@icefarrow7959]

​​@@speak_your_truth.Knee jerk reactions are quite common these days, unfortunately 😕. NZ seem to be one of the last few places left where coaches get a second chance.

[@MarkoCoomo]

Great reveiw, cheers. England kicking .. leaving 8 (?) Points behind from misses. Hard place to kick apparently, but such a shame Smith didn't slot one of those misses.

[@JusZel]

Very solid from both teams. Enjoyable to watch as a neutral and loved the effort for the 80 mins.

[@warrenbooysen]

John Kirwan … they showed guts. They’re back !! SA bt England by the same score in WC semi final : John Kirwan … “game needs changing” 😂😂😂😂

[@ho6277]

I'm a nz fan, and I love this comment😂there are fans all over the world even if it's a minority that says things like JK does

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

JK is the definition of a flog. Cannot handle a loss, and struggles to handle a close win. Refuses to compliment the opposition without blaming his own team. What was he prepared prediction: +20

[@user-eq9jv5uf7d]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 So why watch him? I watched one episode of Keo & Zels and that was enough to let me know they were a couple of knobs & never watched again..problem solved.

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

Exactly. They behave like prepubescent children still stuck with that boarding school mentality.

[@henrymilleruk100]

If England can get some props in a Time Machine and a clone of mitchel - we will be looking all set

[@jamesplumb4517]

NZ shaded the scrum and the breakdown... and the game. Great Test Match.