England narrowly missed out on inflicting New Zealand's first defeat at Eden Park in 30 years as the All Blacks came from behind to win 24-17 on Saturday.

The victory was secured by Damian McKenzie's penalty five minutes from the end, with New Zealand also sealing the 2-0 Test series win.

Mark Tele'a was the star for the All Blacks as he scored a try in both halves, pouncing on an England mistake for his first.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso responded just moments later, after latching onto Marcus Smith's cross-field kick, with the latter then setting Tommy Freeman up in the same way to see England take a one-point lead into half-time.

They then opened up a four-point gap with a penalty, but New Zealand found their fight, with Beaumont Barrett wonderfully bursting in behind to set Tele'a up for his second.

England were denied the chance to cross for a late try, which could have set up a 24-24 draw with the conversion, but a television match official referral saw them penalised inches from the line.

"In the second half we were not as accurate as we wanted to be, we gave away a few too many penalties and gave them easy points and territory," Maro Itoje told Sky Sports after the game. 

"When you are playing a good team, you cannot really do that. We gave their backfield opportunities to run it back at us. Beauden Barrett and the rest are good players, so we don't want to give them opportunities, but we live and we learn.

"It is tough, but I think we showed some improvements in the way we play the game, but at the end of the day it just wasn't good enough today.

"We are at the start of the journey, we are a young team, and we can only get better for these experiences."

Data Debrief: All Blacks hot streak stays alive

New Zealand are now unbeaten across their last 49 Test matches at Eden Park (W47 D2), with their last loss in the city of Auckland coming against France in 1994.

Meanwhile, England have won just two of their last nine Test matches away from home (L7, excluding neutral venues) after winning three in a row previously. However, each of their last four losses outside of England have come by margins of fewer than 10 points.

England full-back George Furbank has been ruled out of their second Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

Leicester's Freddie Steward will replace him in the starting XV, featuring for the first time since the Six Nations game against Wales in February.

Furbank was one of the standout performers last weekend, though he could not help England over the line as they were narrowly beaten 16-15 in Dunedin.

However, he suffered a back spasm on Friday and has been declared unavailable for the match.

"From our perspective as a team, nothing really changes," flanker Sam Underhill told BBC Sport.

"Their styles are different, but their skillsets are also very similar. They are both very good at running the ball, both very good in the air and both have good kicking games.

"As a team, we have to trust ourselves to react well to it."

England have failed to beat New Zealand in their own backyard since 2003, while the All Blacks are currently unbeaten in their last 48 matches at Eden Park, a run going back to 1994.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said there were positives to take from his side's 25-16 defeat against Australia in the first match of their summer series. 

The Dragons slipped to their eighth straight test defeat in Sydney, giving Joe Schmidt an opening victory in his first match in charge of Australia. 

Tries from Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright set up the victory, while Wales managed a penalty try and nine points from new fly-half Ben Thomas.

Wales' winless run is now their worst losing sequence since a run of eight in 2012 and 2013.

Gatland was impressed with his team's performance, but questioned why James Botham's second-half try was disallowed for obstruction.

"I just need to get some clarity on the disallowed try in terms of the decision which was made, I'm not 100% sure," Gatland said. 

"We know where we are at the moment. We're developing this team, and we're going to have to learn from these experiences.

"There were some real positives out of there in terms of what we are trying to do."

It was a 14th loss in 20 matches for Gatland in his second stint in charge after returning as head coach at the end of 2022.

"Unfortunately, resilience doesn't win games. Credit to the heart and the dig-in the boys showed - that's going to get us far," captain Dewi Lake said. 

"But a young team, we've got to learn how to win games, put points on the board, and see games out.

"Credit to Australia, they put points on the board and made us chase the game.

"There were a couple of opportunities we missed and that's probably the difference on the scoreboard."

Australia will now look to wrap up the two-Test series in Melbourne next Saturday.

Data Debrief: Wales' losing rut continues

The latest loss for Wales means they drop to their lowest position in World Rugby's rankings, slipping to 11th and falling outside the top 10 for the first time.

It was also a 12th successive defeat against the Wallabies in Australia in an away losing streak that stretches back to 1969.

England will have to wait at least another week to end their 21-year run without a victory in New Zealand after a 16-15 defeat on Saturday.

The All Blacks, in their first Test under new coach Scott Robertson, held on in Dunedin to start the series with a victory.

England's last win against the All Blacks in New Zealand came in 2003, but Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try early in the second half gave them a fantastic chance of ending that run.

Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea had scored either side of a Maro Itoje try in the first half, with the teams level at the interval.

But it was not to be, with Marcus Smith's misses with the boot compounded by the accuracy of New Zealand kicker Damian McKenzie, who nailed two penalties to complete the turnaround.

"I am proud of the group to come together in 10 days and play a sharp England side," New Zealand captain Scott Barrett told Sky Sports after his team's first Test since they lost the 2023 World Cup final to South Africa.

"That was a reminder of what Test rugby is all about. There were arm wrestles everywhere and different levels of pressure.

"We adapted pretty well to drive back into it and just get our noses in front."

Itoje says while England can be proud of their efforts, they simply need to be better in the next Test.

"It was a good effort but we need to be better," he said.

"We raised the intensity at the start of the second half but a few inaccuracies slipped into our game and allowed the All Blacks back into it.

"Every game is something to learn from. We'll lick our wounds and learn from our mistakes. This will be an invaluable experience. We'll relish the opportunity to go again next week."

The second Test takes place in Auckland on July 13.

Data Debrief: New Zealand's home comforts

New Zealand were winless across their previous two Test matches against England (D1 L1) after winning six in a row against them before that.

But the All Blacks kept up their run of never going three successive Tests against England without a win, and made it eight in a row against the Red Rose on home soil.

Indeed, New Zealand have now won each of their last five home Test matches.

Ardie Savea is being driven by some painful memories ahead of New Zealand's home Test series against England.

The reigning World Player of the Year confessed the All Blacks got "smacked in the nose" in a 12-11 defeat in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-finals, while their last meeting ended in a 25-25 draw at Twickenham in November 2022.

Number eight Savea is back available for New Zealand after a two-year sabbatical from playing in Japan and is itching to settle some scores in the first of the two-Test series in Dunedin on Saturday.

Speaking at the All Blacks' official season launch in Upper Hutt, in quotes reported by the Guardian, he said: "The last time we played them we drew so we've got a bit of history.

"We understand what they can bring and if we don't front up and match up it'll be a long day. 

"That’s what happened in 2019 – we got smacked in the nose and couldn’t recover. They've just played Japan and have been going really well, so we need to get together quickly and rip into things. 

"We don’t know what they’ll do this year but for us it is just about focusing on ourselves and making sure we nail it.

"It (the 2019 defeat) still stings a little bit. It's what drives me now to keep going. It's not a feeling you want to experience. 

"I don’t think it hit until the chaos died down, it took a while. But you've got to get up, learn from it and try and make sure it doesn't happen again."

England hammered Japan 52-17 in Tokyo June 22 in a warm-up for the series and Ardea acknowledged to feeling slightly uneasy, but in a good way.

He added: "I'm nervous. But nerves bring the best out of us. And it's a great challenge for myself to step forward and try and own it."

England intend to play on the front foot as they go in search of their first win in New Zealand since 2003 on Saturday, says captain Jamie George.

Steve Borthwick's team will face New Zealand at Forsyth Barr Stadium in the first of two Tests, on their first tour of the country since 2014, when they lost all three games.

England have not won on the road against the All Blacks since a 15-13 triumph in Wellington 21 years ago, though they did produce a memorable comeback to draw 25-25 when the teams last met at Twickenham in 2022.

George, however, is certain England will stand up to the challenge, telling reporters: "We've come to New Zealand to play our way and take New Zealand on.

"We can't sit back and wait because if we do that we'll be behind our poles 20 points down trying to create some sort of comeback, like we did in 2022. 

"We've come to New Zealand to win. The challenge we've laid down is that we play at our physicality and our intensity. 

"We'll know whether we're there or not within the first few minutes after kick-off. Walk towards it, embrace it, love it. What an amazing opportunity we have got here."

New Zealand have not played since losing the World Cup final to South Africa last October, with Sam Cane stepping down as captain and the likes of Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga no longer available.

Former England scrum-half Danny Care believes they could be there for the taking, telling BBC Sport: "I look at this New Zealand squad and there are so many unknowns.

"They don't have the players any more that you fear. They have players you massively respect, but as a team, do you go there with fear? I don't think New Zealand have that at the moment.

"This is a massive opportunity for England to go down there and shock the New Zealand world."

Scott Barrett has been named as New Zealand's new captain for their upcoming Tests against England and Fiji by new coach Scott Robertson.

He takes over from Sam Cane, who is retiring from international rugby at the end of the year and was not considered for the role due to injury.

Since making his international debut for the All Blacks against Ireland in November 2016, Barrett has earned 69 caps for his country.

Barrett will have reigning Player of the Year Ardie Savea, and brother Jordie as his vice-captains.

Speaking after the announcement was made, Barrett said: "When you think of the leaders who have gone before you, it's quite humbling to be asked to captain the All Blacks, so it's not something I took lightly," said Barrett.

"It's a big responsibility, but I have two great leaders beside me in Ardie and Jordie."

Robertson has named five uncapped players in his first squad, with Wallace Sititi earning his first call-up after an impressive season for Waikato Chiefs.

Scrum-half Cortez Ratima, hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi and centre Billy Proctor are the other uncapped players named in the 32-man squad.

Robertson, who took over after Ian Foster left the role following last year's World Cup final defeat to South Africa, coached Barrett for seven years at the Crusaders and is looking forward to regaining that connection.

"There are some great leaders in our group, but having that existing connection to Scott was important," said Robertson.

"He's tactically astute, he leads from the front, and he’s got the respect of the players and coaches.

"As a coaching group, we are excited about the squad we've selected. We know it's a group that can play the style of rugby we want the All Blacks to play in 2024."

The All Blacks will face England in Dunedin on July 6, and the following week in Auckland, before playing Fiji in San Diego on July 20.

Full New Zealand squad: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a.

England coach Steve Borthwick has named six uncapped players in his squad for their summer internationals against Japan and New Zealand. 

England face Japan in Tokyo on June 21 in their first outing since the Six Nations, then take on the All Blacks on July 6 and July 13.

Harlequins prop Fin Baxter and centre Luke Northmore, Sale pair Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck, Bristol's Gabriel Oghre and Northampton's Ollie Sleightholme are all included.

Having named a 36-man squad, England will train at Twickenham on Tuesday before flying out to Japan to prepare for their opening Test.

"The Summer Series presents a valuable opportunity for the continued development of this squad and is a demanding challenge to conclude the season," Borthwick said.

"The National Stadium in Tokyo is an incredible venue for Test match rugby, and we will need to be at our very best against a Japanese team who will want to play fast.

"New Zealand's home record is well documented, and we face a team who came within one point of winning a World Cup.

"The players know that they will need to be mentally strong and tactically smart if we are to get the result we want."

Full England squad: Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Jamie George (c), Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, George Martin, Gabriel Oghre, Bevan Rodd, Ethan Roots, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Joe Carpenter, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane has announced he will retire from international rugby at the end of 2024, having agreed a three-year contract with Japan Rugby League One team Tokyo Sungoliath.

Cane made his All Blacks debut in 2012 and has represented his country 95 times, including through the team's triumphant run at the 2015 World Cup.

The flanker succeeded Kieran Read as captain in 2020, though his most recent international outing ended with him suffering the ignominy of becoming the first man to be sent off in a Rugby World Cup final, as New Zealand were beaten by South Africa last year.

Cane will be eligible to represent the All Blacks through the second half of 2024 after returning from an initial spell in Japan but will then head there permanently after New Zealand Rugby agreed to release him from his contract. 

"A good opportunity came my way with Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract," Cane said. "I had to weigh up everything and, in the end, with a young family it seemed like the best decision to help set us up for our future.

"I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege. If I'm fortunate enough to be selected for the All Blacks this year then I'll still be myself. 

"I love that team, and if part of my role is contributing leadership-wise, I'll be happy to support the new captain as best I can to help with a speedy transition."

Louis Rees-Zammit has likened Patrick Mahomes to an extra coach as he looks to make an impact in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rees-Zammit shocked rugby union fans in January when he announced he was turning his back on the sport to enter the NFL's International Player Pathway programme. 

He was signed by two-time defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City in March and is now looking to earn a place on their roster for 2024, learning the role of running back at the Chiefs' rookie minicamp after attending another training camp alongside Mahomes. 

Rees-Zammit has made sure to pick the brains of Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to six straight AFC Championship games and won three Super Bowl rings since being drafted in 2017.

"It was amazing, all the quarterbacks and receivers were there, we were running routes, we were working in the gym", Rees-Zammit said of his experience at that camp in Texas.

"It was a great two weeks, I definitely learned a lot with Pat and the other boys."

Asked if Mahomes was acting like an extra coach, he said: "100 per cent. 

"I'm new to the game so I'm trying to pick everyone's brains and try and pick up the sport as quick as possible because I want to be out there playing.

"The way I can do that is picking the brains of everyone that's currently here and trying to learn the game as quickly as possible."

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has been impressed by Rees-Zammit's attitude, saying: "He's so diligent with everything and wants to be so good at everything. I appreciate that. 

"I like the fact he's got shorter steps initially, that's a good thing as a running back. If you're a long strider in there you've got to really work on making it through those tight adjustments you have to make. He seems to have a nice feel."
 

England international Billy Vunipola has confirmed he has been fined after an incident which saw him arrested in Mallorca on Sunday, with his club Saracens set to launch an internal investigation. 

On Monday, widespread reports claimed Vunipola had been tasered by Spanish police in the early hours of Sunday morning, with an altercation taking place after he left a club in Palma.

Saracens later confirmed they were aware of an incident and said they would deal with it internally.

The number eight, who was born in Australia but has represented England 75 times, later released a statement of his own via his club, denying that any violence took place and confirming the police investigation was now closed.

"I can confirm I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when I was leaving a club in Mallorca on Sunday, which got out of hand," that statement read. 

"Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fight and I did not threaten anybody at any stage, with bottles or chairs or anything else.

"I was charged with resisting the law and, following an 'express trial', I have paid a fine of €240. The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I am flying back to the UK today.

"I will obviously cooperate with the Saracens internal process and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience to all involved."

Fraser Brown declared himself “hugely proud” of his Scotland career as he announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 34-year-old Glasgow hooker has not played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the World XV against the Barbarians at Twickenham last May and he has now conceded defeat in his bid to return to action.

Brown won 61 Scotland caps, with the first of them coming against Italy in 2013 and the last in the Six Nations match at home to Ireland in 2023, the same game incidentally in which Stuart Hogg won his final cap. The front-rower went to both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

“When you have a serious injury like I did with an ACL at the end of your career, it is always going to be hard to come back from,” Brown told Scottish Rugby.

“That probably made it a little easier to announce my retirement but it’s still a surreal and strange feeling.

“I’m hugely proud to have played so many times for Scotland during my career. To get one cap was great, but then my second one came against the All Blacks at Murrayfield which was such a special occasion.

“To reach 50 caps was a big moment as I had to deal with a lot of injuries throughout my career and to be part of the growth process of the team which has resulted in where they are now has been cool.”

At club level, Brown made 141 appearances for Glasgow after joining from Edinburgh in 2011.

The hooker helped them win the Guinness Pro12 in 2015 with victory over Munster in the final in Belfast, while his last appearance for Warriors proved to be last season’s Challenge Cup final defeat by Toulon in Dublin.

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith paid tribute to Brown, saying: “Fraser is the epitome of a modern professional and someone who should serve as a role model to any young player starting their journey.

“The respect with which he is held, not only within the Glasgow Warriors community but within the wider rugby family, should serve to underline the achievements he has earned throughout his career and the manner in which he has achieved them.

“His work ethic and determination to bring the best out of the people and players around him has been clear to all throughout his career.

“I wish him the very best for whatever comes next and I know he will apply that same work ethic and determination that made him one of this club’s most distinguished Warriors.”

Brown becomes the second experienced Scotland front-rower to announce his retirement in the space of a month after Edinburgh prop WP Nel recently revealed he would be hanging his boots up at the end of this season.

England have been tapping into the knowledge of veteran attack guru Brian Ashton to achieve their aim of filling Twickenham.

The Red Roses ran in 14 tries in an 88-10 victory over Ireland that places them on the brink of claiming a sixth consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations title when they face France on Saturday.

A thrilling attacking performance before a 48,778 crowd was born out of the belief that in order to play in front of a full house of Twickenham at next year’s home World Cup, they must play appealing rugby.

And helping them achieve that aim is Ashton, a former England men’s head coach regarded as a visionary in the game whose expertise has been enlisted by Red Roses boss John Mitchell.

“Brian makes us ask questions. ‘If this is the picture, what is the easiest way that you can take the wins?’” said Dow, who ran in a hat-trick against Ireland.

“I do think it is about asking those questions and having Brian Ashton available throughout the week…I absolutely adore the man.

“The way he phrases things almost makes you re-think the philosophy of rugby. I think in the English brand the philosophy is ‘let’s kick to the corner, let’s take the territory’. But is that the philosophy of all rugby? Can we expand that?

“At the end of the day, professional rugby is a business in its own way. We need to be proving to the whole of England that we can play an exciting brand of rugby.”

While England march on by overwhelming the opposition in front of them, Ireland’s blowout highlights the gulf in class in the women’s game and affects the credibility of the Six Nations.

The Red Roses have accumulated 228 points after four rounds and France are the only European team capable of taking the wind out of their sails when the rivals clash in Bordeaux.

“I 100 per cent think teams will catch up and as much as we may be on top now, it is on us to try and work to keep that place and demand more from ourselves,” Dow said.

“Because as much as we’d love the game to grow, we want to keep the gap ourselves and continue to prove that we can be the best.”

England ran riot against Ireland with head coach John Mitchell revealing their pivot to an all-action attack is designed to fill Twickenham.

A crowd of 48,778 watched the Red Roses plunder 14 tries in an 88-10 victory that keeps them on course to win a sixth successive Guinness Women’s Six Nations title when they face France in a likely Grand Slam decider next weekend.

Unstoppable wing Abby Dow and player of the match Ellie Kildunne completed hat-tricks, but there were fireworks across the field as England delivered on their promise to put on a show.

Their ultimate aim is to run out at next year’s home World Cup in front of a sold-out Twickenham and Mitchell insisted that can only be achieved by captivating audiences with a style of play no longer based on forward dominance.

“The girls presented a performance that went up a gear. We asked that of them during the week and they certainly delivered it,” the Kiwi said.

“We’ve got a drive to fill the stadium on a consistent basis because we want to play here consistently.

“If we can continue to produce performances like that it won’t be too long before we do fill all the seats. From that point of view, it’s only that style of rugby that will bring people to watch us.

“We know we have other strengths as well, but this is a good sign and we’re only in the infancy of it.

“It’s a testament to the girls because they go out and own it and see the rewards from it.”

England have amassed 228 points after four rounds of the Six Nations, conceding only 20, and the lopsided scoreline at Twickenham is an ugly look for the competition.

“I’m sure some people will chat about the competitiveness, but at the end of the day we drive ourselves in the way we prepare and that’s all we can focus on,” Mitchell said.

“We’re not really in a position to judge the competition or its competitiveness. Our standards in the way we prepare have gone up a little bit in terms of level.”

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand admitted his side were left “shell-shocked” by the game’s dominant force.

“Tough day at the office. We came up against the market leaders but we’ll dust ourselves down and come back next week,” he said.

“This was a big game for a youthful group. Could we have predicted a margin like that? Probably not.”

England thrilled a bumper crowd at Twickenham by overwhelming Ireland 88-10 to set up a likely Grand Slam decider against France next weekend.

The Red Roses amassed 14 tries in front of 48,778 fans with the unstoppable Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne completing hat-tricks, while Megan Jones and Jess Breach each crossed twice.

For all Dow’s finishing instincts, it was full-back Kildunne who shone brightest through a captivating display in attack, and her athleticism was a constant threat to Ireland.

It was an ugly final scoreline for the tournament but Ireland at least managed to touch down by forcing a penalty try.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt promised England would “put on a show” and by securing the try-scoring bonus point inside the opening quarter, they duly delivered despite losing lock Rosie Galligan to a thumb injury during the warm-up.

Dow left a trail of green shirts on the ground to begin the onslaught and Hunt was the next to score after making a dynamic solo break.

The tone had been set and what followed was a procession with Kildunne at the vanguard, the Harlequin’s electric running sweeping her into open space time and again.

A cheeky dummy kick launched one gliding charge out of defence and Ireland were having to scramble furiously to contain a player who has the ambition of becoming the best in the world.

When she crossed on the half-hour mark it was a simple finish to a move started by England’s line-out maul as the home pack asserted itself up front.

Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies was helped off with an injury but the rout continued when sharp handling and a vast gap in the Ireland midfield invited Dow over for her second.

The Irish ran out of defenders as Breach switched on the afterburners to race over, and just eight minutes into the second half England surpassed 50 points for the first time in this Six Nations when Sadia Kabeya powered over.

Ireland were outclassed but showed plenty of fight against the game’s dominant force and their determination paid off when they were awarded a penalty try for seeing a driving maul thwarted illegally.

Lucy Packer was sent to the sin-bin as a result, but England still scored next when Jones weaved a path through the opposition midfield.

Emily Scarratt received a loud cheer when she replaced Tatyana Heard and Dow ran in her third, ushering in a traumatic final quarter for Ireland who were swamped by better conditioned opponents.