After thirteen long years, the wait is finally over. England's men's rugby team has secured a monumental victory over the All Blacks at a rain-swept Twickenham, marking their first home win against New Zealand since 2012 and sealing a remarkable tenth consecutive Test win.
A Corner Turned: Belief and Process Pay Off
The atmosphere was electric as George Ford, reinstated as the team's tactical heartbeat, led the side with a calm authority that has become the hallmark of this resurgent England team. Speaking before the clash, Ford highlighted the newfound composure within the squad, stating they had learned to find a way to win in the crucial final quarters of matches. This mental fortitude was evident throughout the contest.
Maro Itoje, the team's inspirational captain, spoke passionately about the opportunity to emulate the famous 2012 side that thundered to a 38-21 victory. He recalled the legacy of that day, with Manu Tuilagi and Brad Barritt delivering standout performances, and expressed a burning desire for his team to become the ninth English side in history to taste victory against the All Blacks.
Execution Under Pressure
Despite damp conditions in south-west London that threatened to disrupt play, England's game plan was executed with precision. The team's fitness and strategic use of the bench, dubbed the "Pom Squad", proved decisive. In their previous two November fixtures, England had dominated the second half with an aggregate score of 39-5, and this pattern of finishing strong continued.
Ford emphasised the importance of constant communication, with players gathering in frequent huddles to maintain clarity and intensity. "I suppose it’s about calming everyone down, giving the lads clarity on what we need to do next," he explained, underscoring the team's focus on process even during periods of extreme pressure.
Overcoming Past Disappointments
The victory is particularly sweet given the recent history of near-misses. The memory of last year's frustrating 24-22 loss, where a late Ford penalty hit the post and a drop-goal attempt drifted wide, served as a powerful motivator. This time, there was to be no such disappointment.
Itoje also highlighted the role of the Twickenham crowd, describing the genuine pride on the fans' faces as the team arrived. He urged them to be as noisy as possible, and the home support undoubtedly became a sixteenth player, helping to push the team over the line in a tight, tense contest that ultimately validated England's rising confidence and marked a true measurement of their progress under the current coaching regime.
