England and New Zealand kick off the Autumn Nations Series with a marquee clash at the renamed Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick’s side were beaten narrowly in both Tests on their July tour, and will be out for revenge against an All Blacks side still adjusting to life under head coach Scott Robertson. A storied rivalry has been given extra edge this week by clumsy comments from England prop Joe Marler, who suggested the traditional pre-match haka needed “binning” on social media. Marler, who left camp on Monday for unrelated personal reasons, has since apologised after significant criticism.
The haka chat has dominated the build-up to a crucial clash for both sides. England have taken huge strides this year but have endured recent coaching upheaval, while Borthwick has emphasised the need to finish games strongly after losing three of their last four fixtures by fine margins.
The visitors, meanwhile, disappointed in the Rugby Championship as South Africa further showed how the balance of rugby power may be shifting, and will want to re-establish themselves as one of the world’s top sides in the next few weeks.
Follow all the latest from the Autumn Nations Series opener in our live blog below:
Autumn Nations Series schedule: How to watch every rugby Test on TV and online
It is, as mentioned, a hectic November with the Autumn Nations Series spread over five weeks of fixtures. Here’s the full schedule and how you can watch every game:
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 13:00
Maro Itoje on the Lions, leadership and politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
One man usually at his best on days like these is Maro Itoje, who surpasses the cap tally of the great Martin Johnson today. In Girona last week, I sat down with the ever-considered and compelling England lock to talk leadership, the prospect of a third Lions tour and his potential political ambitions.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 12:45
Inside the All Blacks rebuild: How rugby’s greatest brand must regain its sheen
For New Zelanad, the 2-0 series win over today’s opponents represents the high point of their year so far, with more than a few teething problems under Scott “Razor” Robertson. Have the All Blacks lost their aura?
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 12:30
Coaching upheaval sets up pivotal autumn for Steve Borthwick and England
All of that has rather overshadowed the build-up to a vital opening Test of the autumn. For Steve Borthwick, the last couple of months have not been as smooth as he would have liked, with the twin departures of strength and conditioning guru Aled Walters (who has joined Andy Farrell’s Ireland) and defence coach Felix Jones (serving a 12-month notice period while providing analysis from afar) rocking the England boss. After a series of near misses this year, this is a pivotal November.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 12:15
Joe Marler apologises to New Zealand fans after calling for Haka to be scrapped
And then, on Thursday evening, Marler apologised to All Blacks fans for his comment – though still believes that the opposition should be able to provide a response to the haka.
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 12:00
Jamie George fears Joe Marler has provoked New Zealand over anti-Haka comments
England captain Jamie George, meanwhile, disagreed with the opinion of his long-time front row colleague, and suggested that Joe Marler may have “prodded the bear”:
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 11:50
All Blacks hit back at England prop Joe Marler over haka criticism
On Thursday, the All Blacks hit back, with head coach Scott Robertson explaining why the traditional Maori pre-match challenge is so important to New Zealand:
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 11:40
Joe Marler defends haka remark after claiming tradition ‘needs binning’ before England v All Blacks
So let’s take you through how the haka saga unfolded this week. Joe Marler left England camp on Monday for personal reasons, but it was Tuesday night when the prop stoked the fires with a slightly clumsy comment on social media:
Harry Latham-Coyle2 November 2024 11:30
England vs All Blacks LIVE
Welcome along to the The Independent’s LIVE coverage of England vs New Zealand as the Autumn Nations Series kicks off with a bang at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
One of rugby’s most anticipated fixture is a fitting start to a busy November of international action as the Southern Hemisphere heavyweights test themselves against their Six Nations foes. Steve Borthwick’s hosts were beaten 2-0 on their July tour of New Zealand and will be out to right a few wrongs against an All Blacks side hoping to rebound from a disappointing Rugby Championship.
A week dominated by chatter over the haka after a social media post from England prop Joe Marler has only added extra edge to an enticing fixture. Kick off is at 3.10pm GMT.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 November 2024 07:46