Autumn Internationals 2024: England vs New Zealand recap & head-to-head battles
With rugby league heading into hibernation for the winter, it's time we switch focus to union, with the yearly Autumn Internationals just around the corner.
Sports News Blitz’s rugby writer Katie Ransome takes a look at the opening game of the 2024 series - the mouthwatering prospect of England v New Zealand.
Anyone who knows rugby union will have heard of the Autumn International Series.
Most famous for its host role in showcasing the Northern and Southern hemisphere's best and brightest union stars, it guarantees a thrilling atmosphere; and red-hot reels content.
Boasting a collection of brutal battles, tasty tries and savage scrums, taking home victory has become one of the most coveted Christmas gifts for any rugby nation.
This year's series sees 120-year rivals, England and New Zealand, face off first in the 46th meeting between the two heavyweights.
Set within the equally historic Twickenham ground, now under the alias Allianz Stadium, this first match promises to be an action-packed start to the series.
Competing against one another for the Hillary Shield, England are known for their traditional, physical and tactical style; New Zealand for their formidable speed and legacy.
England vs New Zealand: Last five games recap
The last five matches between England and New Zealand have seen the All Blacks secure three wins, one England victory and a draw.
Neck and neck for both possession stats and passes during their last battle on Eden Park’s turf, the sides most previously met on July 13, 2024 for Round 1 of the Rugby Internationals.
Right from the whistle, it truly was a game of wit, discipline and determination.
Ultimately on that occasion it was a referee call from Nick Berry that sealed the deal for New Zealand, as Ollie Lawrence was deemed off-side during a tackle and possession move, allowing the All Blacks to sneak ahead and win 24-17.
Seeing each other just a week before at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, there appeared to be a trend forming with tight scorelines.
New Zealand would again take victory, but not without challenge from the ever-strengthening English defence as it came down to just a single point.
Falling prey to a shot clock expiry and double penalties from Damian McKenzie, the England side lost out on the chance of history, glimmering hopes of a first away win since 2003 sailing just left of the goals as the All Blacks won 16-15.
Circling another year back to 2022’s Autumn Nations Series produces our draw statistic in a 25-25 thriller.
Scoring three tries in as many minutes, England managed to charge their way back to equal distance of the All Blacks, stand-out performances from Will Stuart and Freddie Steward the campaign’s lifeline.
Before that it was 2019 at the International Stadium Yokohama that England and New Zealand did battle in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Giving England their first World Cup final appearance in 12 years and a convincing 19-7 victory, New Zealand's efforts for this one were too little, too late.
Lastly, we reflect back to 2018 where New Zealand picked up that first win of three in the last five at a soggy Twickenham Stadium, where the visitors edged a 16-15 victory.
Decided by penalties and controversial calls, this game cites as a further exhibition of the relentlessness, marginal ebbs and flows of execution and tactical warfare between two of the world’s most dominant rugby competitors.
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Coaches: Steve Borthwick vs Scott Robertson
Having coached the side since 2022, ex player Steve Borthwick will lead the England squad into battle once again for this Autumn's International series.
Holding the record for Premiership appearances in the forwards position, and having helped the team secure two Six Nations titles between 2015 and 2020, there's no denying he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team as they look to replicate their glory days from the early 2000s.
Borthwick was met with plenty of criticism from players and media alike during his promotion term, however the long-term securing of star-studded background members like Kevin Sinfeild and Richard Wigglesworth certainly helped put a few of those comments to bed.
Forged by fascination, excitement and pride for the game, Borthwick leads his side with a strict and pragmatic authority, giving players the chance to experience playing for their nation in a way he never truly did.
Leading on a clean slate, freshly-appointed native New Zealander Scott Robertson is the chosen man of the hour to lead the All Black into their 2024 Autumn Internationals campaign.
After what has been described as a vigorous interview process, he steps in hoping to secure foundations early within his four-year tenure.
Alongside 23 caps for the squad himself, Roberton has risen through the coaching ranks to obtain a staggering 82.5% win record thus far.
Describing his coaching philosophy as one driven by care, accountability and camaraderie, Robertson is said to be much more than a coach to his players, eagerly invested in things such as mental wellbeing.
However, he still has some big boots to fill and plenty of fans to please, with former departing coach Ian Foster seemingly leaving a trail of dis-attisfaction and defiance in his wake.
Choosing to adopt a collaborative management approach for the upcoming campaigns, Roberton too will be supported by a number of famous faces, including the likes of Scott Hansen and Sir Wayne Smith.
Players: Marcus Smith vs Beauden Barrett
In a game where records and margins can be decided in a matter of seconds, fly-halves like Marcus Smith and Beauden Barrett constantly have to be 10 steps ahead of the action.
Thriving on instinct and exploitation of seemingly non-existent gaps, Smith was the second youngest Premiership debutant and scored a blistering 13 points on his first outing in red and white.
Despite an unfortunate run of recent injury and arguable inexperience against rival candidates, his ability to pass with 95% success and convert 85% of penalties means he should be a name on any team's radar.
Looking across the pond to New Zealand's equivalent number 10, Beauden Barrett sits at the heart of his team's attack with insane pace and a unique ability to carve through the opposition at will.
Back-to-back Player of the Year in 2016 and 17, Barrett tends to flit between shirts 10 and 15, making this series the perfect opportunity to cement himself into the fly-half position and cause some serious problems on the pitch.
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Maro Itoje vs Josh Lord
Seen as one of the biggest targets on field, needing to give 100% speed and power at all times, lock players like Maro Itoje and Josh Lord arguably have one of the hardest jobs on the field.
A regular starter since 2016, Itoje has played over 6,589 minutes for England to establish himself as not only big in stature, but also attitude and tackling power.
Winning 26 out of 27 games in 2016 for his country and making it to the Rugby World Cup final in 2019, he is pivotal to England’s hopes of success in the series.
New Zealand lock Josh Lord is described as a meteorite of rugby union, coming out of the woodwork in 2019 and becoming a vital cog for the All Blacks.
Diligent in his discipline and versatile in craft, Lord will be one to watch.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso vs Mark Tele’a
Functioning to finish moves and scores tries, Wingers have to be exceptional at it all.
A 2024 addition to the England side, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso promises just that.
Described as hungry for work and devastatingly reliable, sides like New Zealand will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure as he steps into a key figurehead role this autumn.
Rising from the ashes of the Covid-19 pandemic, which cut his formidable debut season short, Mark Tele’a at outside back is seen as an evasive pace marchant.
Catching others sleeping, his sleek frame and agible footwork make him a true one to watch.
Ardie Savea vs Joe Marler
Hailed to have both excellent handling skills and deference, loose forwards are rugby's multi-tooled utility knife, able to do whatever, wherever.
Last man in the scrum, but the furthest from last on the All Blacks squad, generational talent Ardie Savea provides relentless energy and athleticism to anyone around him.
Named last year's World Rugby Player of the Year, his leadership and authority on the pitch has been described as a downright nightmare for open play opponents.
Renowned as one of the most reliable front row forwards, Joe Marler only missed four matches since his 42nd appearance in 2016.
Present at 95 England games over the years, he is certainly a familiar face to the All Blacks.
Stricken from the last New Zealand v England battle after breaking his foot 20 minutes in, it will be interesting to see how he comes back for the upcoming series.
Chandler Cunningham-South vs Ethan Blackadder
With disruption the aim of their game, flankers like Chandler Cunningham-South and Ethan Blackadder can be characterised as a squad’s diamonds formed under pressure.
All Blacks number 1195 and son of former NZ captain Todd Blackadder, Ethan is consistently recognised as one of the sides most selfless and committed players both on and off the field.
A lethal combination of offensive and defensive play, his robust playing style boasts just the versatility needed to secure his place amongst this seasons starting 15.
Born in England then raised in enemy territory, Cunningham-South returned to his homeland in 2021, pursuing his yet unlocked potential.
Still early in his career, but already being hailed the Lebron James of rugby, his aptness to learn and dynamically carry the ball will unequivocally brand him as another to watch.
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