Saturday, November 6, 2010

All Blacks v. England - Twickenham

Shontayne Hape of England is tackled by Isaia Toeava of New Zealand and is prevented from scoring a try during the Investec Challenge match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 6, 2010 in London, England.
(November 5, 2010 - Photos by Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
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All Blacks quell England's fire
New Zealand had their composure rattled as England moved the ball and while they opted for a running game the All Blacks were able to retain the Hillary Shield with a 26-16 win at Twickenham.
It was an open encounter which saw the All Blacks under rare pressure this season. Constant infringing at the breakdown resulted in flanker Jerome Kaino being sin-binned with nine minutes left.
England mounted assault after assault at the line but the defence held. The closest England got was when Kiwi-born second five-eighths Shontayne Hape dived at the corner only to lose the ball as he was tackled by replacement wing Isaia Toeava who produced a 'George Gregan' moment as the knock-on was ruled.
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Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand wins lineout ball under pressure from Tom Palmer of England
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All Blacks back on horse at Twickers
It really was a game of two halves in London, the visitors enjoying a great deal of ball in the first 40 before England upped their game in the second.
But tries from Hosea Gear and Kieran Read along with Dan Carter's sixteen points saw them edge their hosts, who will be encouraged by their effort.
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Man of the match: Call him old fashioned or one dimensional, but Nick Easter put in the hard graft for England and just beats Dan Carter to the gong.
Full match report here:
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next test:
13 Nov
All Blacks v Scotland
Murrayfield Stadium,Edinburgh
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Australia v England
Twickenham, London
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