The All Blacks have survived a late scare to score a come-from-behind 16-15 win over England at a rain-drenched Twickenham on Sunday (NZ time).
England were controversially denied a try by South African TMO Marius Jonker 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 five-points in the 76th minute.
The try would have given England a four-point lead in the dying moments with a conversion to come, but Underhill's team-mate Courtney Lawes was deemed to be offside before charging down the clearance kick.
Referee Jerome Garces originally awarded the try but then consulted with Jonker before overturning the on-field decision, giving a penalty to the All Blacks instead.
The All Blacks then held out to claim the one-point win and retain the Hillary Shield.
In a game of two-halves, England pushed the back-to-back World Champions to the limit but ultimately fell short.
Re-called winger Chris Ashton marked his international return with a try in the second minute and Dylan Hartley grounded from a rolling maul, while Owen Farrell contributed a conversion and a drop goal as England opened a 15-0 lead after 25 minutes.
Sonny Bill Williams then left the field with an injury, bringing on Ryan Crotty who helped spark the All Blacks resurgence.
The All Blacks hit back in the final two minutes of the first half with a try from Damian McKenzie plus a conversion and a penalty from Beauden Barrett as England took a 15-10 lead into the break.
The All Blacks dominated the opening exchanges early in the second half, and a poor pass from Aaron Smith to Ardie Savea saw New Zealand blow a certain try.
Barrett then edged the All Blacks ahead with a drop goal and a penalty on the hour mark, setting up a dramatic finale.
Underhill thought he had given England a first win over the World Champions in six years with a late breakaway try, but his effort was ruled out.
It is the second consecutive game for England which has ended in controversy following their 12-11 point win over the Springboks last week.
The All Blacks now turn their attention to Ireland next week while England will face Japan.
Newshub.
