sport news New Zealand blew it as England clawed their way back in a nightmare shift ... trends now
As Owen Farrell lolloped out into a Twickenham cauldron on Sunday evening, the normally phlegmatic England captain allowed himself an uncharacteristic wave to the crowd.
This was Farrell’s 100th England cap and a landmark evening for him. At one stage it looked like his night would end in nightmare fashion.
In the end, Farrell probably wouldn’t have known how to feel.
When Marcus Smith booted the ball dead to end the game level at 25-25, it was hard to escape the feeling England had been lucky to somehow salvage something.
Owen Farrell (right) celebrated emphatically at full-time as England rescued a draw
England stunned New Zealand with a late comeback to draw in the test match at Twickenham
New Zealand blew it.
Entering the field alongside All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, who was also bringing up a century of appearances for his country, Farrell could have been forgiven for dreaming of a night to remember.
For long periods, it was exactly the opposite of that. For long periods, Farrell and England experienced a nightmare shift at the office as they were blown away by the All Blacks.
And yet somehow, with their captain battling on through an ankle injury, England came from 25-6 down in the 70th minute to salvage a share of the spoils against all the odds.
New Zealand's Rieko Ioane breaks through to score his side's third try against England
England fought their way back during a physical second-half at Twickenham on Saturday
New Zealand were given a more than helping hand in the first half by an England side who never got going. As the man at the head of the tiller, Farrell couldn’t stem the black tide. England’s opening 40 was abysmal, one of the worst in recent memory and that is saying something.
In the coaching box, a blank expression lay across Eddie Jones’ face. On the field, Farrell was left helpless as his team failed to fire a shot.
Poor discipline and basic mistakes
