Which Players Made Up England's 2012 Victory Over the All Blacks?

As England prepares to face New Zealand at Twickenham, they aim for their first victory against the All Blacks since 2012, a feat last accomplished with a stunning 38-21 performance. This article explores the significance of this upcoming match, the historical context of England's encounters with New Zealand, and answers some common questions about the teams and the traditions surrounding them.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

England's rugby team is gearing up for a pivotal match against New Zealand, hoping to secure their first win over the All Blacks in over a decade. The last time England triumphed over New Zealand was during a memorable clash in 2012, where they showcased an impressive performance. As anticipation builds, fans and analysts are keen to see if England can replicate past successes against a historically dominant New Zealand team.

Key takeaways

England last defeated New Zealand in 2012 with a score of 38-21.
England's overall record against New Zealand is eight wins from 46 matches.
The last win for England over the All Blacks in a major tournament was during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the context of England's relationship with New Zealand in rugby requires a brief timeline of key events:

2012: England defeats New Zealand 38-21 at Twickenham.
2019: England wins against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, marking a significant victory.
2021-2023: England has faced New Zealand multiple times, with the All Blacks maintaining dominance in the series.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the match approaches, recent statements from players like Freddie Steward highlight the team's determination to overcome past disappointments against New Zealand. Key players, including Ford and Steward, are set to play crucial roles as England aims for a strategic advantage.

What was already established

Historically, New Zealand has been a formidable opponent for England, winning the majority of encounters. The All Blacks are renowned for their skill and performance, making any victory for England a significant achievement.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The upcoming match is not just a sporting event; it also has implications for local businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail. Pubs and restaurants are likely to see increased patronage as fans gather to watch the game, contributing to the local economy.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses involved in sports merchandise and broadcasting will benefit from heightened interest in the match. Additionally, employment within these sectors may see a surge as events like this often lead to temporary job opportunities.

Policy and regulation

Sporting events of this magnitude often attract attention from local authorities regarding public safety and transport. There may be increased security and traffic management measures around Twickenham on match day.

Numbers that matter

8: Total wins for England against New Zealand out of 46 matches played.
27: Matches played at home, with England winning only five.
38-21: The scoreline of England's last victory over New Zealand in 2012.

Definitions and jargon buster

Haka: A traditional Māori dance performed by the New Zealand rugby team before matches, symbolising strength and unity.
Rugby World Cup: An international rugby union competition contested by the men's national teams, held every four years.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of the match, fans will closely analyse performance, team dynamics, and potential changes needed for future encounters.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcome, England's coaching staff may reassess strategies and player selections leading into the next Six Nations and beyond.

Signals to watch

Player form and fitness levels leading up to the match.
Public sentiment and media coverage following the match.
Future fixtures against other international teams.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses by watching the match at a pub or restaurant.
Stay updated with team news and match previews to understand key players' roles.
Engage with the rugby community to share insights and predictions.

Don’t

Underestimate the significance of the match for team morale and national pride.
Disregard safety measures if attending the match in person.
Ignore the historical context of England's performance against New Zealand.

Checklist

Review the starting XV from the 2012 match.
Check local listings for match coverage and commentary.
Prepare for post-match analysis and discussions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While England has shown improvement in recent years, there remains uncertainty regarding their ability to perform consistently against top-tier teams like New Zealand. Historical performance suggests a steep challenge ahead, and unexpected variables such as player injuries or weather conditions could significantly impact the outcome.

Bottom line

The upcoming match against New Zealand at Twickenham represents a crucial opportunity for England to break a long-standing winless streak. With a rich history of competition and a fervent fan base, this match is set to be a highlight of the rugby calendar, regardless of the outcome.

FAQs

Why do New Zealand perform the haka?

The haka is performed by the New Zealand rugby team to honour their heritage and intimidate opponents, showcasing strength, unity, and cultural pride.

What is England's history against New Zealand in rugby?

England has won eight out of 46 matches against New Zealand, with their last victory occurring in 2012. They also secured a win during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Who are key players to watch in the upcoming match?

Players like Freddie Steward and George Ford are expected to play pivotal roles in the match, bringing experience and skill to the England side.