San Francisco Frontiers - Robertson wants improvement after All Blacks battle past England

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Robertson wants improvement after All Blacks battle past England

SPORTS 13.07.2024

Robertson wants improvement after All Blacks battle past England / Photo: © AFP

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Saturday that New Zealand need to improve after his side came from behind to beat England in the second Test to secure the series 2-0.

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Tries by wing Mark Tele'a either side of half-time in Auckland saw New Zealand seal a 24-17 victory on Saturday to follow their 16-15 victory in Dunedin.

A spirited England side led 14-13 at half-time after tries by Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, then pinned New Zealand in their own half as they extended their advantage to 17-13.

Playmaker Beauden Barrett came off the bench to swing the momentum back to the All Blacks as he set up Telea's second try before Damian McKenzie landed two penalties.

"That's not All Black standard, but we still found a way," Robertson said.

"They boxed us in the corner and we couldn't get out.

"We weren't transferring what we trained onto the field, but we created enough opportunities at the end. I'm proud of that."

New Zealand play Fiji in San Diego next Saturday before the Rugby Championship starts in August.

Robertson hailed twice world player of the year Barrett whose running and kicking relieved the pressure on the All Blacks before he unpicked the England defence for the second Tele'a try.

"He's a world-class footballer," Robertson said.

"He's been great around the team and on the field he just confirmed how good he is to us."

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett admitted their line-out needed to improve after England disrupted and stole possession on several occasions.

"Well done to England, they've had two strong Test matches against us," the captain said.

"We adapted well, we finally won the kick battle and we were able to get our noses in front.

"We're looking to build on the last two performances. I'm excited to go to San Diego to play Fiji."

England captain Jamie George said his side were already looking forward to playing the All Blacks in London later this year.

"I was really proud of the players' effort," said George.

"We'll welcome them to Twickenham in November, we'll look forward to that. I really don't think there is a ceiling in this team.

"I think we're a significantly better team than we when we started. There's hugely exciting times ahead for this English team."

A.Evans--SFF

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