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Tele'a double edges All Blacks past England 24-17 to win series

Wing Mark Tele'a scored two tries on Saturday as New Zealand squeezed past England 24-17 to win a hard-fought second Test in Auckland.

Tele'a touched down either side of half-time as the All Blacks took the series 2-0 and extended their 30-year unbeaten record at Eden Park.

Just like in the 16-15 first Test win at Dunedin, New Zealand had to wrestle back the lead in the second half from a spirited England side.

"Hugely proud of the boys to hold on and win the arm wrestle and finish off a good performance," said New Zealand captain Scott Barrett.

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"Test matches certainly challenge your character and we had to dig deep there, right till the last minute."

Fly-half Marcus Smith led the visitors to a 14-13 advantage at half-time after his pin-point cross-field kicks created tries for wing Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

After a breathless opening spell, the All Blacks took the lead when Tele'a caught the England defence napping from a ruck to dart over for a try.

All Blacks fly-half Damian McKenzie landed the conversion, but England immediately hit back.

Smith kicked wide into the arms of Feyi-Waboso, who stepped inside the defence for a converted try.

New Zealand should have had a second try when Tele'a broke away, but Smith intercepted the final pass to Stephen Perofeta on the England tryline.

McKenzie landed a penalty, but Smith quickly took the kick-off to pin the All Blacks deep in their own half, where they stayed for the next 15 minutes.

McKenzie stroked over another penalty, but England led at half-time after Freeman outleapt Tele'a to haul in Smith's kick.

The England number 10 successfully converted from the touchline .

England

Rugby England second test

Marcus Smith Eden Park Damian Mackenzie

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