\n<\/p>\n
New All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson let out a big sigh of relief at full-time as his tenure began with a narrow victory.<\/p>\n
England’s blitz defence had charged at his side all night. <\/p>\n
New Zealand fans will be accustomed to seeing their side play with attacking fluency, but England’s line speed restricted them space to execute their skills.<\/p>\n
It led to a change of tactics in the second half. <\/p>\n
The hosts kept the ball at close quarters and tried to overpower their visitors, who were up to the challenge.<\/p>\n
George Martin and Chandler Cunningham-South both dominated the collision with new All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett in a display of defiance, and last year’s World Cup finalists were restricted to just 16 points at home. <\/p>\n
“A decent welcome to Test rugby,” Robertson told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n
“From the kick-off in the second half the arm wrestle started and they wouldn’t let us out of it.<\/p>\n
“I’m relieved rather than ecstatic. I will sleep well tonight knowing we got the result but also wake up early knowing we’ve got some work to do. <\/p>\n
“Man, they are a good team and they have played some good footy this year and they were a moment away [from winning].”<\/p>\n
England are playing their best rugby of the Borthwick era, in a year in which they have denied Ireland back-to-back Grand Slams.<\/p>\n
“You don’t often see New Zealand play a game like that and it became a proper arm wrestle,” Borthwick, who was a member of the England squad the last time they won in New Zealand, told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n
“I’m proud of all the players. We want to keep getting better and improve. <\/p>\n
“Today’s another step but let’s be clear, we’re disappointed with the loss.<\/p>\n
“Ultimately there were opportunities we didn’t take but when you look at this England team, I’m excited for the future.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n