England power yet again fell short against flair as the All Blacks powered away from England in the second half to retain the Hillary Cup.
The fist half though full of power and endeavour did not produce a try although there were a few chances, showing that the Kiwis looked the more dangerous side. The half ended tied at 6-6 through the boots of Wilkinson and Carter, though New Zealand could have been 3 points ahead but Carter missed a sitter early on.
The second period and both sides were trying to play rugby despite the conditions and although England put in a much improved performance they ran out of puff and Jimmy Cowan scored to put the game out of reach. Carter then posted a further penalty having already passed the points record for New Zealand with his first points in the first half, giving us the final score of:
England 6-19 New Zealand
Scorers
England
Pens: Wilkinson 2
New Zealand
Tries: Cowan Cons: Carter Pens: Carter 4
Teams
England: Cueto; Banahan, Hipkiss, Erinle, Monye; Wilkinson, Hodgson; Payne, Hartley, Bell, Shaw, Borthwick (capt), Worsley, Moody, Haskell.
Replacements: Thompson, Wilson, Deacon, Croft, Care, Geraghty, Tait.
New Zealand: Muliaina; Guildford, C Smith, Nonu, Sivivatu; Carter, Cowan; Woodcock, Hore, Franks; Thorn, Donnelly, Thomson, McCaw (capt), Read.
Replacements: De Malmanche, Afoa, Boric, Kaino, Ellis, Donald, Ellison.