As the two teams gear up for the clash at Allianz Stadium in today's opening Autumn Nations Series match, rugby fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. This is a match-up steeped in drama, flair, and edge-of-your-seat thrillers that have made history and broken hearts - and that's without the social media-related furore surrounding this afternoon's game. So, before kick-off, let’s take a look back at some of the most unforgettable moments from this fierce rivalry and see why today's game has all the ingredients for another classic.
2019 World Cup Semi-Final: England’s masterclass
Score: England 19-7 New Zealand
In one of the most iconic World Cup upsets, England dismantled the All Blacks in Japan with an intensity and precision that few saw coming. It was a match for the ages, not just because of the stakes but because of the way England played: a clinical, relentless style that left the usually unstoppable New Zealand scrambling. England dominated with a powerful early try from Manu Tuilagi and kept the All Blacks scoreless for most of the game. Fans still talk about that iconic V-shaped response to New Zealand’s haka, which set the tone for what was to come. "World Cups are always about defence," said head coach Eddie Jones after the match, "and our best form of attack is our defence". England have a new defence coach, Joe El-Abd, and today we'll discover if the team can bring that same fire they showed in 2019.
2022 Autumn Nations Series: The unbelievable comeback
Score: England 25-25 New Zealand
This game was a rollercoaster of emotions. England found themselves down by two tries with fewer than ten minutes on the clock, and fans had all but resigned themselves to another loss to the All Blacks. But then, something magical happened. England staged a dramatically late rally to score three tries in a barely believable final eight minutes. England's decision for Marcus Smith to kick the ball dead and plump for a draw divided opinions, but for many, a draw never looked so good. The energy was electric, and that late comeback still feels fresh for fans who witnessed it. If today’s game has half the drama of that match, we’re in for a treat. The NZ Herald was distinctly unimpressed with the result: "At Twickenham [the All Blacks] were good, bad, indifferent. They beat England up at times, out-thought them, out-smarted them and somehow blew up in the final 10 minutes to hand them a free pass back into the game."
2013 Twickenham thriller: The narrowest of margins
Score: England 22-30 New Zealand
Back in 2013, England and New Zealand delivered a high-stakes clash that had everyone on their feet at Twickenham. A year earlier, England have delivered a roaring performance in beating the same opponents in possibly their most outstanding victory of the past ten years. This time around, while England gave the All Blacks a proper scare, going toe-to-toe with a powerful team led by Dan Carter and Richie McCaw - undoubtedly one of the greatest duos ever to line up in the same team - it wasn't to be. England were right in it for most of the game, but the All Blacks found a way to clinch it, showcasing that infamous Kiwi grit. It was a reminder that against New Zealand, you can never count the match over until the final whistle.
2002: England’s breakthrough victory
Score: England 31-28 New Zealand
This was one of those rare occasions when England pulled off a spectacular win against the All Blacks (featuring superstar Jonah Lomu, no less). Clive Woodward's side took an early lead, only to see the New Zealand claw back to make it a nail-biting contest. But England, in front of a roaring home crowd, managed to hold on, with Jonny Wilkinson and Will Greenwood leading the charge. The win sent a shockwave through the rugby world and marked the beginning of England’s rise as a global powerhouse leading up to the 2003 World Cup. "There is no fear of the All Blacks - that's what has held England rugby back for a long time," remarked Woodward. "They have been in awe of the southern hemisphere countries, but hopefully now we have blown that away." To underline their unstoppable journey to global acclaim, they repeated the feat on New Zealand soil the following summer against all odds.
1997: The Battle at Old Trafford
Score: England 8-25 New Zealand
This game is one of the classic reminders of why the All Blacks are one of the most intimidating sides in rugby, and was part of their undefeated tour of Europe. While the scoreline may have flattered New Zealand somewhat, they were nonetheless a team stacked with a cross-section of All Blacks greats - including the likes of Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Zinzan Brooke. England fought valiantly, but New Zealand’s flair was on full display. It was also preceded by a famous response to the haka by Richard Cockerill. England improved to secure a draw two weeks later back home at Twickenham.
Today’s showdown: What’s in store?
So, why does England v New Zealand always deliver? Part of it is the history: it’s a battle of rugby cultures, a test of skill, and a constant source of new stories for fans. It’s a chapter in one of rugby’s greatest rivalries. England have their work cut out - though there is plenty of optimism for what they can achieve - but the memory of past glories and near-misses could give them just the motivation they need to make history once again.
With both teams set to bring their best, don’t look away: this one could go down to the wire. Keep your eyes glued, because England v New Zealand never fails to deliver.
England v New Zealand, Saturday 2nd November, 15:10, Allianz Stadium. Live on TNT Sports.
