1. FIN BAXTER – 7 (Off 54)

Relentlessly battled against every All Blacks scrum put-in, refusing to concede possession. An ever-present supporting option for the loose forwards and outside backs, Baxter added his own touches to keep the All Blacks guessing. A standout scrum at 48 minutes saw him dominate the fresher All Blacks front row.

2. JAMIE GEORGE – 5.5 (Off 43)

Some early mishaps at the lineout caused pressure for England, including a 12th-minute miscue within their own 22m. The former England captain put his body on the line with breathless defensive work. He exited earlier than expected as Cowan-Dickie was deployed.

3. JOE HEYES – 7 (Off 54)

Delivered explosive hits from the defensive line, snapping at the All Blacks’ heels with low chop tackles to curtail momentum. Received medical attention early in the second half following a particularly brutal collision at the gain line. Put in a commanding shift for 90% of scrums, maintaining England’s possession except for a 52nd-minute reset.

4. MARO ITOJE – 6.5

Missed a couple of early lineouts due to quick reactions from Josh Lord and communication issues with Jamie George. A constant disruptor at the breakdown, Itoje forced the All Blacks to slow their pace across multiple phases. Some halftime words seemed to improve lineout accuracy, with cheers accompanying the first completed aerial move of the second half. Gave away a penalty at a 62nd-minute lineout, handing the All Blacks dangerous territory.

5. ALEX COLES – 6

Stepped up in place of the injured Ollie Chessum. The Northampton Saints man was inches away from England’s opening try but was held up by a pile of All Blacks after a 23rd-minute break.

6. GUY PEPPER – 6.5 (Off 54)

England’s breakout star of the Autumn Series, Pepper retained the six jersey and was immediately involved in ferocious contact. Left on the deck after a 24th-minute collision requiring medical attention, yet stayed on. Pinged for hitting a breakdown from the side in the 34th minute.

7. SAM UNDERHILL – 8 (Off 54)

Flying out the line for an early hit on Ardie Savea, Underhill left a mark on his opposite man. Could not stop Leicester Fainga’anuku as the wing muscled under him for a close-range score. Exploded into the second half with a try from close range to hand England the lead for the first time. Anyone at the Allianz would have winced at the clattering collisions he unleashed.

8. BEN EARL – 7

Raced back to recover dangerous loose ball that Steward had batted to England’s unguarded backfield. Brutal around the park, orchestrated solid scrummaging efforts from the back of the pack. Came under TMO scrutiny in the lead-up to George Ford’s try, adjudged to have knocked the ball forward before the Sale man scored. Sent to the sin bin for illegally playing the ball from a side entry as England defended their 5m line.

Replacements

16. LUKE COWAN-DICKIE – 7 (On 43)

Deployed earlier than arguably expected as England struggled with their first-half lineout. No ‘Bomb Squad’ deployment; he was a sole swap for Jamie George. Led a rejuvenated set-piece and delivered a commanding presence at the scrum. A 66th-minute lineout throw was deemed not straight—a rare unforced error.

17. ELLIS GENGE – 6.5 (On 54)

Part of the Bomb Squad, helped deliver a dominant scrum penalty as England overpowered the All Blacks at the hour mark.

18. WILL STUART – 6 (On 54)

The replacement front row received a 59th-minute talking-to for over-eagerness in early engagements. Managed momentum to secure a scrum penalty at the hour mark.

19. CHANDLER CUNNINGHAM-SOUTH – N/A

20. TOM CURRY – 6 (On 54)

Considered by his Sale teammate Luke Cowan-Dickie as the best player in the world, Curry showcased his versatile skill set with a tank-emptying effort across both sides of the ball.

21. HENRY POLLOCK – 7 (On 54)

Immediately involved off the bench, breaking free for a cascading run from his own 22m. Knocked the ball forward into touch while attempting a link-up with Roebuck. Displayed passion with a Ben Earl-esque ‘roar’ after England won a scrum penalty. Won a big turnover at the 68th minute against Wallace Sititi.

22. BEN SPENCER – 5.5

Handed the final seven minutes, but kept the attacking tempo high.

23. MARCUS SMITH – 7.5

Thrown into the fray after just 20 minutes due to Steward’s HIA. Brought intelligent kicking for territory and stopped Leroy Carter’s 30th-minute break with a solid collision. Isolated in the backfield at the 62nd minute as an All Blacks double tackle turned him over.

EDITORS PICKS:

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2

From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.

Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!

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