New Zealand have defeated England in a heartstopper at Twickenham, 24-21.
England looked very promising early, but as they always do, the All Blacks came back hard in the second half to give England their fourth consecutive loss.
England host the New Zealand All Blacks in a match many have billed as a preview to the 2015 World Cup final. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of this eagerly anticipated match-up from 1:30am (AEDT).
Unfortunately for the hosts and England coach Stuart Lancaster a number of regular first choice players have been ruled out with injury for this match with such names as Alex Corbisero, Dan Cole and Geoff Parling among others unable to be selected for this match.
In stark contrast, the All Blacks have only Sam Cane unavailable for this match.
Despite the injury toll and betting agencies long odds, England will still be a formidable opponent playing at home in front of their home fans and led by their inspirational Captain in Chris Robshaw and astute coach Stuart Lancaster.
England will take some beating this morning and will want to put up a solid performance with the hosting of the World Cup just around the corner.
With games still to come against South Africa, Samoa and Australia, England will want to get their November internationals away to a good start against the World number one side.
The All Blacks have answered numerous questions over selection this week with Aaron Cruden starting in the much talked about first five jersey over Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett with the latter providing cover from the bench.
Possibly the biggest surprise was the naming of Sonny Bill Williams to start at second five in only his second Test back from Rugby league and only a hit out against the United States under his belt, his performance this weekend along with the combination with Conrad Smith will be keenly analysed.
Both teams will be wanting to make a statement here today with the World Cup in mind as both nations carrying heavy expectations into that tournament. A solid performance will be required and expected.
I suspect that the All Blacks depth from the bench will prove decisive this morning in what I am expecting to be a brutal and fast paced match.
Join in as we cover the match live and leave your thoughts below.
Tip: All Blacks by 16
john
Guest
I will say my respect for the English fans has somewhat diminished after what I saw today. Fanatical supporters, but don't seem to know much about the game. They boo everything. Im a kiwi fan and thought the way NZ booed Quade was in bad taste, but geez the English take the cake. ABs score a legitimate try after 24 phases and the crowd boos McCaw man of the match and getting booed. Various other refereeing decisions like when McCaw was over the ball and England were pinged. They booed. Was quite taken aback; I always thought England rugby fans had a dose of class about them, but obviously not.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
It was complete bs that Ireland had to play in their away strip.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
Every side could be potentially better than what they are but only New Zealand seem to be able to bring it out in most games. South Africa have only turned up to play us all year.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
If Ireland win their next 2 games then they may well be named team of the year at the IRB awards.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Same ref who banished BdP for his hit on Carter in 2013!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Completely agree, based on the 6 nations last year, Ireland might not have too many fears on playing Argentina in the Qtrs and England (if they can top their group) in the semis ...
Rugby Tragic
Guest
I think the Boks are a much better side than they showed last night. Too many simple little mistakes and a bit of indecision as to the type of game they wanted to play. Not suggesting an all out attack game, but it seemed a bit of this and a bit of that ...
Rugby Tragic
Guest
He might revert to the methods he knows quells the English, Digger.. that result and in particular the magnitude of the loss will have Meyer with doubts in his mind. I guess it started with Vermeulen's first touch, going for a contested high ball, a knock on. Mind you, having watched a replay of the AB/Eng match, I think Hansen has plenty to work on too... Lineouts were a shambles, particularly after Retallick was off, stopping the rolling mauls at source needs attention, generally set pieces were average, but for the last few games, they have (at least to me) lost the knack of how to create space other than on the counter. I think we need to re-employ occasional use of the short grubber to get behind the defensive lines. The power game is becoming a bit one dimensional in my view. Just appears to me that they have lost a bit of their innovation lately...
RobC
Roar Guru
thanks for the call, and the summary DC. Looks like there was a few SB fumbles and YC, too. Wondering how Coenie's side of the scrum held up.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Great night of rugby although it was hard to watch all games. Schmidt and Cotter are really doing well with Ireland and Scotland. 2 wins over 2 RC sides is a pretty good result especially considering the Argies had been doing well in the RC and the Boks had just beaten the AB. Just shows there is no 'daylight' between n2 and the rest. Also watched much of the France v Fiji game (40-15) and wasn't impressed with the French (Spedding had a good debut though). Elsewhere, Italy beat Samoa 24-13, Tonga won in Georgia 23-9, Russia did the same in Hong Kong 31-10 and Canada also won at home against Namibia. And Japan narrowly lost to the maori AB 20-18 (were ahead until the 78th min). A pretty even match NH vs SH, well much more even than what most southerners were predicting anyway. Cant wait for round 2.
RobC
Roar Guru
sorry about the result BB. Not just for you. For me also! Couldnt stay up for it.. Gonna hunt for the replay and check it out
RobC
Roar Guru
Didn't concentrate too much of the game. - But looked like England v strong the first 20'. Muffed sitter of a try 5' ABs dominated the rest of the game. - England tryless after 3', pointless after 40' - barring the final minute - No trick kick or tactic. Amazingly fast re-alignment. - AB 101: keep the ball after conceded a YC. 20+ phases for a try. - Need to work on their scrums, too.
Wardad
Guest
Thanks for the work Digger [ I like that word having been a proud digger meself !]
Wardad
Guest
Mate the Saffas set a terrible precedent and it will bite us all in the back side ,it must be stamped out NOW !
AB Supporter
Guest
Agree. Shocking display from Owens. He needs to lose his job. Getting sick of good rugby matches being ruined by idiots like him.
Coconut
Guest
England were done and dusted in 40.... You're point was?
Misha
Guest
Terrible performance by Owens - I've never seen a ref so influenced by the crowd.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
I'm really liking Joe Schimdt's work.
Digby
Roar Guru
Questin for the day - What is the point of the TMO when he is referred to by the ref and then overruled by the onfield ref by what he sees on the big screen? Why have the TMO?
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
edit* 'Australia at home - in the last 10 minutes.'