England Vs New Zealand – A seemingly one-sided rivalry

Rugby is a game full of passion, pain and intensity. To watch a game is to see two tribes going into war, neither side wanting to give up an inch and both looking to return with a win. With such a testosterone fuelled game it is no wonder there are many rivalries between nations, one of the most one sided but fierce is England vs New Zealand.

We all know that when it comes to tough opponents, the New Zealand All Blacks are about as tough as it gets. With a squad of unbelievable talents, practically being born into the sport, it’s no wonder they dominate the world of rugby. This is one of the reasons that England has only managed to best the All Blacks just 7 times. But is that all about to change?

England is really starting to come together as not just a team but also a real force in the rugby empire. Under the leadership of a new England captain, Chris Robshaw, England managed to best the All Blacks in their latest meeting, coming out with a 38-21 win. The restoration of England’s rugby pride has been bolstered by new leagues and clubs sprouting up all over the UK, this twinned with a recent influx of TV coverage has uncovered some great new British talent, strengthening the squad and firing up the nations desire to win, especially when it comes to the seemingly unbeatable All Blacks.

But looking back into the history of the two clubs, England will hope their recent win isn’t just a one off. As mentioned before, England has got the better of New Zealand just 7 times, whereas New Zealand has won 27. Not only have they won 20 games more, but the difference in score lines shows just how one sided this has been. England’s highest scoring match against New Zealand is just 38, whilst New Zealand’s is almost double with an astonishing 64. Prior to England’s recent win, the side was on a 9 game losing streak, dating all the way back to June 2004, a bitter reminder of the unassuming threat England have previously offered up.

When it comes to besting the all blacks England isn’t the team that jumps into your mind, but with a new wind in their sails and captain at the helm, are the tides turning? When we next see these two giants of rugby clash one thing is for sure, it will be a game of blood, sweat, but no tears.