England v New Zealand: Greatest Rugby Union Matches

It speaks volumes of New Zealand's sustained dominance through the years that England have only managed eight victories in 45 attempts against the All Blacks.

Despite their statistical superiority, a number of New Zealand's encounters with England have been settled by very fine margins and the two nations have delivered a catalogue of thrilling spectacles.

We've delved into the archives and picked out some of the greatest matches between England and New Zealand.

England 25-25 New Zealand

Autumn International - 19 November 2022, Twickenham

Hopelessly outplayed for 70 minutes, England staged an astonishing comeback by scoring three tries in the final eight minutes to salvage an unlikely draw against New Zealand.

The All Blacks opened up a 17-3 lead at the half-time interval and extended their advantage early in the second half when Rieko Ioane sprinted clear to score their third try, leaving England with a mountain to climb.

Yet as Will Stuart scrambled over, England's collection of replacements sparked the hosts into life against a fatigued New Zealand unit.

Freddie Steward was next to cross the line following a sweeping move that dissected the opposition before Stuart was at it again, becoming the first England prop to score twice in a game as he charged over Richie Mo'unga.

England 19-7 New Zealand

Rugby World Cup semi-finals - 26 October 2019, Yokohama

Clashing in the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1995, the fireworks began before a ball had even been kicked.

Owen Farrell marched his team into a controversial V formation in response to New Zealand's haka - an act that ultimately resulted in a fine - and England backed up their bold pre-match antics with an authoritative performance in which they stifled the All Blacks attack.

Eddie Jones' side stormed into a 10-0 lead courtesy of Manu Tuilagi's try and George Ford's long-range penalty, though they could have been further out of sight had the video referee not ruled out tries for Sam Underhill and Ben Youngs.

New Zealand inevitably responded as Ardie Savea crossed over but England were resilient, thwarting the All Blacks constantly as Ford moved the Red Rose out of sight with three impeccable penalty conversions.

New Zealand 28-27 England

Summer International - 14 June 2014, Dunedin

After pushing New Zealand close in a 20-15 defeat at Eden Park a week prior, England made a fast start in Dunedin and were rewarded with a Marland Yarde try to give them a deserved 10-6 lead at the interval.

The hosts, who hadn't lost a match in over 18 months, responded to the deficit valiantly and the All Blacks ruthlessly tore through England's rearguard. Steven Hansen's team moved through the gears and scored three tries in 22 relentless minutes.

Mike Brown squeezed over with 10 minutes remaining to give England a lifeline and despite their endeavour, were only able to muster a consolation try from Chris Ashton in added time as New Zealand demonstrated why they were the best team in the world.

New Zealand 13-15 England

Summer International - 14 June 2003, Wellington

You wait nearly 10 years for a victory over New Zealand then two come along at once.

Seven months after conquering the All Blacks 31-28 at Twickenham courtesy of a Jonny Wilkinson kicking masterclass, England sealed their first win on New Zealand soil since 1973 as they showcased their credentials as Rugby World Cup contenders.

Wilkinson was once again at the forefront of their success as he scored 15 points from the boot, but it was England's resilience that shone above all else.

Reduced to 13 men mid-way through the second half as Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Black were sent to the sinbin, Clive Woodward's team resisted all that New Zealand could throw at them.

Winning multiple scrums and forcing multiple turnovers, there was simply no way through a courageous England outfit and the visitors held on to further solidify their status as the world's number one ranked team.

England 38-21 New Zealand

Autumn International - 1 December 2012, Twickenham

Arguably the greatest performance in the history of English rugby, England put New Zealand to the sword with a majestic 38-21 victory before a raucous Twickenham.

It was, at the time, the All Blacks' third-heaviest defeat in 109 years of Test rugby. It was a result that made a mockery of the form guide.

New Zealand were the world champions, unbeaten over 20 matches across a 15 month period. England, on the other hand, had only won one of their previous six off the back of a dismal Rugby World Cup campaign.

Farrell had put the hosts in the ascendancy with three penalties and a drop-goal to give England a 15-0 lead, though nerves soon began to seep into the Twickenham crowd as tries from Julian Savea and Kieran Read reduced the advantage to one.

Yet England were not fazed in the slightest. Superior in every department, Stuart Lancaster's men regained control of proceedings and Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi all scored in the second half to cap off a mesmerising performance.

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