The first weekend of the Autumn Nations Series was always going to be interesting. Two sides in need of an uplifting result, 80,000-plus spectators keen to renew their big match vows in a newly-retitled stadium. It duly delivered a flawed classic and a breathtaking finish which saw Steve Borthwick’s side narrowly miss out – again – on a morale-boosting win over the All Blacks.

Reclaiming the Hillary Shield would have been all the sweeter for England following their 2-0 summer series defeat but again they blew the chance to land the killer blow. A late penalty from George Ford hit a post and, with the last kick of the game, Ford also missed with a drop goal which would have secure a first home win over New Zealand for 12 years.

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