England v New Zealand player ratings: Freddie Steward superb but Jack van Poortvliet struggles
England snatched a thrilling 25-25 draw with New Zealand against the odds with a superb late fightback at Twickenham. Telegraph Sport rates the players from both sides in a rip-roaring encounter.
England 15 Freddie StewardImperious in the air as always while he was England’s most threatening attacker. The final score would have been far worse without him. 8/10
14 Jack NowellChased everything and has a high work rate and while not the attacking force of old he did hit some intelligent angles. 6
13 Manu TuilagiGot contained by the New Zealand defence for the most part but did make one barnstorming run early in the second-half. 6
12 Owen Farrell (c)Struggled to unlock New Zealand’s defence but he was he was influential in the late comeback with his leadership and game management coming to the fore. 7
11 Jonny MayGot burnt by Rieko Ioane on the outside and struggled with New Zealand’s kicking game but came to life as the game wore on. 6
10 Marcus SmithEngland’s best attacking player, but he found it tough going trying to unlock a claustrophobic New Zealand defence. 7
9 Jack van PoortvlietHis worst game in an England shirt. His loose pass got intercepted by Dalton Papali’i while he got exposed by Ardie Savea at the base of the ruck. 3
England’s best forward. Always gets over the gain-line and didn’t get the reward he deserved at scrum time up against Tyrel Lomax. 7
2 Luke Cowan-DickiePart of a scrum which was under pressure. His lineout throwing was decent but wasn’t even second best to his opposite number Codie Taylor. 5
3 Kyle SincklerThe odd strong charge around the park but got taken to the cleaners by Ethan de Groot at scrum time. 5
4 Maro ItojeCaused New Zealand some problems with his athleticism and was everywhere during the final quarter of this game acting as a link man. 7
5 Jonny HillEngland’s main source of line-out ball but failed to impose himself physically and got bullied by the New Zealand pack. 5
6 Sam SimmondsOne of England’s better players. Found some gaps in the New Zealand defence with his dynamic carrying but team-mates weren’t on the same wavelength. 6
7 Tom CurryHuge work rate as always but the Sale openside found it tough going at the breakdown against the dynamic Dalton Papali’i. 5
8 Billy VunipolaWas well contained by the All Blacks for the majority of the match but came became more influential with his carrying as the game wore on. 6
Replacements: B Youngs 8 (for J van Poortvliet 54), H Slade 7 (for M Tuilagi 54), M Vunipola 7 (E Genge 54), G George 6 (for L Cowan Dickie 54), W Stuart 8 (for K Sinckler 54), D Ribbans 8 (for J Hill 65), G Porter 6 (for J Nowell 68)
New Zealand 15 Beauden BarrettBetter suited to full-back than the No 10 jersey. A lovely kick-pass put Rieko Ioane clear for a try. Blotted his copybook with a late yellow card. 7
14 Mark TeleaWasn’t originally selected to tour with New Zealand, winning his first cap last weekend. Has taken to Test rugby like a duck to water. Incisive runner. 7
13 Rieko IoaneShowed tremendous pace to run in unopposed from 70 metres out and was a threat throughout. World class. 8
Looks like he has finally found his best position. A physical presence in midfield while his distribution skills unlocked England’s defence. 8
11 Caleb ClarkeAnother one who has enjoyed a fine European tour. Powerful runner who burst through the England defence on more than one occasion. 8
10 Richie Mo'ungaA better outside-half than Beauden Barrett. Has the perfect balance between playing the role of the maverick and being a pragmatist. Tormented England. 7
9 Aaron SmithJust flawless. His service from the base of the ruck and his box kicking is unrivalled by any player in the world including Antoine Dupont. 8
1 Ethan De GrootThe Highlanders prop has played a crucial part in New Zealand’s resurgence in recent month. Stuffed Kyle Sinckler at scrum time and made his presence felt around the park. 8
2 Codie TaylorCame under a large amount of scrutiny during the Rugby Championship but has proven this autumn there’s plenty of life left in the old dog. Top class performance. 8
3 Tyrel LomaxGot the benefit of the doubt at scrum time when it looked like he was hinging. Got through a lot of work in the loose. 7
4 Brodie RetallickRolled back the years with an imperious performance. Dominated the line-out, hurt England with his direct carries, while his tip passing was sublime. 9
Those who said he was past his best have been proved wrong. He was dominant throughout and taught Maro Itoje and Johnny Hill some harsh lessons. 7
6 Scott BarrettGave New Zealand front foot ball at the tail of the line-out. Excellent goal line defence early in the second-half and got over the gain-line often. 7
7 Dalton Papali'iSam who? The Blues openside has been so good this autumn it’s hard to see their captain Sam Cane regaining his spot. Took England apart at the breakdown and a well-taken try. 8
8 Ardie SaveaIt really is a travesty how this man wasn’t nominated for world player of the year. Killed England with his explosive carrying and excellence at the breakdown. 8
Replacements: S Taukei’aho 5 (for C Taylor 58), N Laulala 6 (on for T Lomax 58), G Bower 6 (for E de Groot 61), TJ Perenara 6 (for A Smith 63), S Frizell 5 (for S Barrett 68) A Lienert-Brown 5 (for C Clarke 73), H Sotutu 5 (for D Papali’I 73)