The All Blacks made a remarkable comeback and had TMO Marius Jonker to thank for their controversial 16‑15 win over England in London this morning.
It appeared England were on track for a mighty upset over the world champions when flanker Sam Underhill chased a loose ball from a charge down of a TJ Perenara clearing kick, and looked to have scored a fair try in the 76th minute.
If it had been given England would have led 20‑16 with the conversion to come.
Referee Jerome Garces awarded the five pointer but when he consulted his TMO the decision was overturned.
Backrower Courtney Lawes was deemed offside before he charged down Perenara's kick, and the All Blacks were awarded a penalty near their 22m line.
Seemingly in control after fighting back from a 15‑0 deficit in the first half, the All Blacks were forced to dig into the darkest depths of their fitness levels as England launched wave after wave of attack at them in the final minutes.
Any other team might have curled up after making such a nightmare start against England in London on a soggy Twickenham pitch, as rain fell for much of the match and the English forwards did everything to drive their opponents into a pulp.
Yet, somehow, the All Blacks held on.
Meanwhile, in two other matches, Wales beat Australia 9-6 while Ireland beat Argentina 28-17.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
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