AUTUMN WEEK 2 MATCH REVIEW : ENGLAND V NZ

England 15 v New Zealand 16

Boy did it rain, something which didn't affect me directly, high up in the North stand, but affected both team's tactics, the lack of tries on show and the ref's ability to assess TV replays, placing more emphasis (than was welcome or allowed) on the (South African) TMO. But amazingly what it did not affect was both team's ability to pass and catch the ball, with very few knocks ons, testament to the basic skills and mental strength on display, even later on in the game when the ball must have resembled a slippery eel. In fact, at the end of the first half, leading up to their only try, NZ produced one of the most fabulous 5 minutes of go forward rugby I have ever seen - one of the few times in the game where their traditional offloading game appeared - the accuracy and skill in the conditions was stunning. Granted, there were plenty of up and unders, box kicks and taps ahead on the floor, as both sides avoided playing any rugby in their own half, relying on opposition mistakes to give them good field position.

Ashton scores early on for England

But England will contemplate how they lost a game that they dominated for most of the first half, scoring two tries in the process, but then failed to score another point until the 75th minute, when Sam Underhill, following a Lawes chargedown, out thought and out ran Beauden Barrett, to score in the corner. The Twickenham crowd went crazy, smelling victory, only for Jerome Garces, the French ref, who had already awarded the try, to call a time out, and ask the TMO for assistance in checking whether Lawes was offside at the tackle area. His problem was, due to the crowd noise and rain, he could not review the replay footage properly, so had to rely on his TMO to make the final call, which he duly did (... it's offside so you need to change your on field decision and award a penalty), contrary to World Rugby Guidelines, which state the ref should have the final decision.

Was it correct? As it was not a ruck, but a tackle, World Rugby's lawbook states: 

​Law 14 - Tackle
Offside lines are created at a tackle when at least one player is on their feet and over the ball, which is on the ground. Each team's offside line runs parallel to the goal line through the hindmost point of any player in the tackle or on their feet over the ball. 

When game footage is slowed down, it appears Courtney Lawes is possibly slightly in front of the offside line, which is level with the shoulders of George Ford, but it is close (and the NZ prop moves forward just before the Perenara kick). And, like last week's Farrell tackle decision, it appeared harsh, with the the team on the wrong end of the call, again missing out on possibly winning the game. 

Perenara gets away with one...

But it was a real rugby match, old school in its physicality, kicking dominance and weather. OATH roving reporter, Don Tony, was there and shares his thoughts: 

Has Twickenham ever had a better atmosphere? Well if it has it must have been one hell of a game.  I have not heard Twickers this loud, with the singing of the National Anthem setting the tone for a great game in atrocious conditions. Did we miss an opportunity to put another W against the All Blacks? We certainly did ! Should we have won? Yes, of course!  Unfortunately Sam's great effort counted for absolutely nothing, but we can take so many positives out of the display, including the glaring fact that NZ can be beaten on neutral ground in a year's time. I tip Ireland to win against the All Blacks next week (just don't tell my wife, who is from Wanaka).

What do you mean the try is disallowed...

England were excellent in the first 30 minutes scoring two great tries, but NZ, despite being off colour all day, clawed their way back into the game, with 10 points before half time to make it a one score contest. And with the best phase of play in the game early in the second half, they unlocked England's tight defence beautifully, only for Aaron Smith to pass behind Ardie Savea for a certain second try. However, relentless NZ pressure yielded a drop goal and a further penalty to put the World Cup holders ahead, a lead, thanks to the TMO, that they maintained to squeeze home. England should take pride in their performance, and whilst NZ will be better next time they meet (in a RWC semi final?) England will not fear them now.