England have finally ended their 13-year wait for a home victory over New Zealand, triumphing in a tense encounter at Twickenham. The last time England beat the All Blacks on home soil was in 2012, a 38-21 win under Stuart Lancaster. Since then, the only English victory over New Zealand came in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final in Yokohama.
The win was built on a strong defensive display and clinical finishing, with England's bench—dubbed the 'Pom Squad'—making a significant impact. Fly-half George Ford, who started ahead of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, orchestrated the game with composure, particularly in the final quarter. Ford noted the team's improved calmness in closing out tight matches, a trait that has been evident in their recent wins over Australia and Fiji.
England's captain Maro Itoje led from the front, embodying the team's newfound belief. The victory not only breaks the drought but also validates England's progress under their current coaching setup, having won their past nine Tests. The All Blacks, ranked second in the world, were unable to overcome England's disciplined approach in damp conditions.
Ford reflected on the significance of the win, saying, 'What's the point in stepping on the field if we don't believe we can win? Of course we do.' The result sets up England for a strong finish to their autumn internationals.
