Steve Borthwick’s England must confront some hard realities after another disappointing loss, as they seek to inject new energy into their campaign and avoid a bleak autumn season. On a positive note, the atmosphere at Twickenham has seen a welcome improvement in recent times. The stadium buzzed with excitement, enhanced by a deep, resonant bass that reverberated through the stands, creating a thrilling ambiance. Additionally, the decision to broadcast the referee’s comments over the public address system was a long-overdue and appreciated change. The match itself delivered a dramatic finale. New Zealand, seemingly on the brink of defeat, managed to stage a remarkable comeback. The pivotal try by Mark Tele’a with just four minutes remaining was a breathtaking moment, but it was Damian McKenzie’s impressive touchline conversion that ultimately decided the match. The performance of Wallace Sititi also stood out, showcasing that the game was not solely characterized by missed chances. As England reflects on this latest setback, it’s clear that they must stop avoiding the uncomfortable truths about their performance and start making the necessary adjustments to turn their fortunes around.

**Late Tele’a Try and Ford's Missed Kicks Leave England Heartbroken as New Zealand Prevail** In a thrilling encounter during the opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Series, New Zealand edged out England with a narrow 24-22 victory. The match, held in front of over 80,000 passionate fans at a newly-renamed stadium, was a showcase of high stakes and intense competition, but ultimately ended in disappointment for the home side. England, under the guidance of coach Steve Borthwick, were eager to reclaim the Hillary Shield after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the summer series against the All Blacks. However, they once again found themselves unable to secure a decisive win. A late penalty attempt from George Ford struck the post, and in a dramatic finish, Ford's drop goal attempt on the final play of the game also went awry, denying England their first home victory over New Zealand in 12 years. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with England coming close to achieving a morale-boosting win but ultimately falling short in the closing moments.