England rue missed opportunity as New Zealand extend Eden Park dominance

England’s hopes of recording a famous win at Eden Park were foiled by a Beauden Barrett-inspired comeback from New Zealand who triumphed 24-17 at their Auckland fortress.

Tries from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman created by the laser-guided boot of Marcus Smith helped Steve Borthwick’s men into a 14-13 half-time lead.

In a cathartic day for Smith, he was 100 per cent from the kicking tee having been wasteful in last Saturday’s 16-15 defeat, as part of a classy all-round display topped by the precise chips to his wings.

England’s fly-half then extended the lead to four points with a penalty but on came Barrett and rattled New Zealand were transformed from a side that were unable to escape the tourists’ stranglehold into a potent force.

A gripping battle ends in defeat at Eden Park