AllBlacks 23 VS 19 England - 橄欖球

Defiant All Blacks beat England
20 November 2005
By JIM KAYES in London

A stunning defensive display saw the All Blacks over come three yellow
cards and a committed England team to keep their grand slam dream on
track with a 23-19 win at Twickenham today.


Ireland referee Alan Lewis dipped into his pocket three times in the
second half to send loosehead prop Tony Woodcock to the sinbin for
collapsing a maul, then his temporary replacement Neemia Tialata for
killing the ball, and flanker Chris Masoe for hands in the ruck.

Each was justified, but seemed to lift the All Blacks who, inspired by
a magnificent display of tackling from Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo,
Byron Kelleher and Tana Umaga, kept their line in tact.

England had opened the test with a try to No8 Martin Corry after he had
pointed to the touch line, instead of the posts, from a penalty, in just th
e third minute.

The All Blacks hit back 12 minutes later when Umaga crossed for a try
after a nifty run by first five-eighth Daniel Carter, and they went
into the half time break leading 13-10.

But they would have been far from happy as a wealth of possession was
wasted through poor passing - with Kelleher a leading culprit - and some
sloppy play.

However, a try to hooker Keven Mealamu just after the break and another
Carter penalty - his third for the day - gave the All Blacks a crucial
buffer in what was to be a thrilling finish as night descended on
Twickenham.

England, whose pack had arm wrestled with the All Blacks all afternoon,
took control of the ball and camped in the All Blacks half, but a
lack of skill and imagination played as big a part in their lack of
success as New Zealands defence.

Rather than cross for what might have been match winning tries,
England could score only through the boot of first five-eighth
Charlie Hodgson who contributed 14 of England's 19 points.

They have won test matches that way in the past - notably in
Wellington two years ago - but it was not going to be enough
in London yesterday.

This was a hard fought win by the All Blacks, especially as it was
achieved with their attacking prowess effectively suffocated.

It lack the fizz and froth of Ireland and Wales, but there was so much
more substance to this win that it was even more satisfying than the
victories in Dublin and Cardiff.

All Blacks 23
Tries: Tana Umaga, Keven Mealamu. Cons: Dan Carter 2. Pens: Carter 3.

England 19
Try: Martin Corry. Con: Charlie Hodgson. Pens: Hodgson 4.

-Fairfax


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