All Blacks overpower England to win 36 - 12
The game started off with a much more aggressive English forward play. England start well putting lots of pressure on the All Black team and earning two penalty goals for their efforts. But perhaps a bit too aggressive as English lock Simon Shaw was sent after 10 minutes for kneeing All Black Keith Robinson in a ruck.
New Zealand weathered the English storm and struck back with a break from Joe Rokocoko who fed the ball to Dan Carter who scored in the corner. Giving the All Blacks a 10 to 6 lead over England going into half time.
Two quick tries in the early part second half extend New Zealand’s lead. The first try coming from a break by Nick Evans who fed Rokocoko to score. The second try was started from a turn over by Marty Holah. The ball is fed to Rokocoko who picks up his second try of the night.
England put the pressure back on New Zealand and two penalty goals bring them back in reach.
Rokocoko rises above Josh Lewsey to collect Carlos Spencer’s kick and goes around behind the posts to score his third try of the match.
Holah is sent to the sin bin for being offside which levels both teams to 14 players. New Zealand bring on Andrew Mehrtens who immediately brings some attacked flair. A backline move sees an inside pass to Spencer, who scores in the corner bringing the final score 36-12.
New Zealand - Tries: Daniel Carter, Joe Rokocoko (3), Carlos Spencer; Conversions: Carter (4); Penalty: Carter
England - Penalties: Charlie Hodgson (4)