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ENGLAND TOP NEW ZEALAND IN RARE WIN WITH GEORGE FORD INFLUENCE

George Ford inspired England to a stunning 33-19 comeback win over New Zealand at Twickenham. Trailing 12-0, England fought back for just their 9th-ever win against the All Blacks, ending a 13-year home drought.

England top New Zealand in rare win with George Ford influence
England secure rare win over New Zealand - Photo Credit: PA Wire

In just their ninth victory over the All Blacks in 120 Test matches, England overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat New Zealand 33-19 at Twickenham on Saturday, led by George Ford.

Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor gave New Zealand the lead early on, but they were just a point ahead at halftime (12–11) when England centre Ollie Lawrence's score was followed by two drop goals from recalled fly-half Ford.

Early in the second half, England's comeback continued as Ford converted tries from Fraser Dingwall and Sam Underhill to put them ahead 25–12.

In the 66th minute, New Zealand regained the lead thanks to a try from the prolific Will Jordan, his 44th in 53 Test matches.

However, Ford's penalty in the 76th minute, in his 104th Test match for England, sealed the victory.

The All Blacks were denied a grand slam following their victories over Scotland and Ireland earlier this month in the Autumn Nations Series, but there was still time for England wing Tom Roebuck to score a try in the corner.

This was England's first victory since their historic 2019 World Cup semi-final victory in Japan, and only their ninth victory in 47 Test matches against New Zealand since 1905.

In addition, England's winning record against all opponents was extended to ten games, and they overcame New Zealand at Twickenham for the first time in thirteen years.

At a rain-soaked Twickenham, England controlled territory and possession in the first ten minutes, but they lost full-back Freddie Steward to a head injury evaluation, and Marcus Smith took his place going forward.

However, New Zealand scored with their first two trips to the 22 before England was unable to convert their pressure into points.

After England's line-out throw was spoiled by New Zealand, the ball was pushed across the field during the All Blacks' scrum that followed. In the fourteenth minute, left wing Fainga'anuku powered over.

Although Beauden Barrett's attempt was unsuccessful, New Zealand scored their second try four minutes later when hooker Taylor outdistanced England scrum-half Alex Mitchell and dove over after Jordan's break.

Borthwick resorts to the "bomb squad."

However, England responded in the 25th minute when outside centre Lawrence bounced off Leroy Carter and stepped Barrett for a well-executed score after a blindside break off a scrum.

Even though Ford was unable to score, England managed to get back into the game with a drop goal from about 25 meters away two minutes before halftime.

And with the forwards still in control after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's break, Ford had time to score another drop goal from a distance as England rallied from a one-point deficit.

And openside flanker Underhill bulldozed his way over from a close-range ruck to give England their first goal in the 43rd minute.

The touchdown was disallowed on review for offside at a line-out, but Ford's conversion put England ahead 18–12, and it appeared he had increased their lead even more when he scything through for a try in the 50th minute.

After an England line-out was created by Ford's incredible raking cross-kick, Lawrence's deft hands sent teammate centre Dingwall in for a try between the posts in the 55th minute.

To the joy of around 82,000 spectators, Ford, the game's star player, converted, putting England up 23–12.

With the 'bomb squad' having shown their value in his team's previous victories over Fiji and Australia this month, England coach Steve Borthwick decided to put on a slew of forward replacements in an attempt to finish the match.

However, the All Blacks quickly made most of their man advantage as full-back Jordan glided in for New Zealand's first goals since the 18th minute after England lost Ben Earl to a yellow card for a maul infraction.

Barrett was replaced by Damian McKenzie, who scored a goal to trim England's lead to six points at 25-19.

However, Ford's 36-meter penalty gave England breathing room, and Roebuck scored an opportunistic try after the ball went loose thanks to a kick from replacement Henry Pollock.

JJ REDICK ADDRESSES RUI HACHIMURA ABSENCE; JAKE LARAVIA EXPECTED TO START FOR LAKERS

Rui Hachimura is out with calf soreness. Discover how JJ Redick plans to stop the Pistons on LeBron James’ 41st birthday.

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ESPN Confirms Rui Hachimura Out

Los Angeles Lakers' coach JJ Redick was seen on the court during a timeout in their game against the Sacramento Kings on December 28, 2025.

The Lakers are having a rough time with injuries. Austin Reaves is out for a month with a calf strain, and now Rui Hachimura is also sidelined.

According to ESPN, Hachimura has calf soreness and won't play against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Gabe Vincent has been out with his back issue since December 14. The only good news is that Jaxson Hayes, who had an ankle sprain, is back.

So, Hachimura is out tomorrow with a calf problem.

Lakers Injury Report vs. Pistons

With Hachimura out, coach Redick will probably start Jake LaRavia. LaRavia has been scoring around 10 points and grabbing 6 boards as a starter. He's been okay as a wing player. He is not the shooter everyone was expecting, but he is not bad; he can play both forward positions.

The Lakers have had a ton of injuries this year, forcing Redick to use a bunch of different starting lineups. Reaves' injury hit Redick hard, since he's a big fan.

Redick said he feels bad for Reaves, especially since it's a longer-term injury.

More Time for Nick Smith Jr.?

With Hachimura out, Nick Smith Jr. might get more minutes. He was great in the win against the Kings.

Even though Marcus Smart started in place of Reaves, Smith really benefited, taking 14 shots in 25 minutes off the bench. He scored 21 points, with five 3-pointers. Smith said he's ready for more chances.

Smith said he's just trying to take it one day at a time, especially since he's on a two-way contract. He wants to be ready whenever he gets the call, and he was ready last game.

He also added that he is in a space where he is just locked in right now.

The Lakers (20-10) are underdogs against the Pistons (24-8) on Tuesday, even though they're at home. It's also LeBron James' 41st birthday, so it's a big game.

LUKE LITTLER BLASTS "DISRESPECTFUL" ALLY PALLY CROWD AFTER TENSE ROB CROSS VICTORY

Luke Littler sparked controversy at Ally Pally by mocking fans' ticket purchases after being booed during his win over Rob Cross.

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Littler Fires Back At Booing Fans

Luke Littler got booed during his match with Rob Cross this Monday at the World Darts Championship, and he fired back at the crowd. The 18-year-old wrapped up a 4-2 win against his rival to get to the quarter-finals.

Littler became a fan favorite after his unlikely run to the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace two years back, when he was only 16. But some folks in north London on Monday seemed tired of his success and tried to rattle the teen in an attempt to make the match last. And he didn’t deal with the boos well.

Right after his win, Littler told the crowd, "I'm not bothered [by the booing]." Really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets, and you pay for my prize, so thanks for booing me. No one wanted me to win, but I proved them wrong yet again.”

Then, during the press conference afterwards, he walked it back, saying, “I think I lost it (his temper). I think it's still on there (the stage). The fans have done what they've done, and I've reacted as any other player would, really.”

Usually, Littler gets a lot of love from the Ally Pally crowd; a lot of fans have started watching darts just because of how fast he rose to fame at the end of 2023. But now this talented player may have caused himself a new issue with his outburst.

Some darts fans won't like that he mentioned how much money he's making during this World Championship season.

Others might think he should've taken the boos with a smile. People at Ally Pally are usually loud as hell whenever they're there.

And some will feel Littler showed he can be rattled by a few shouts.

No matter what darts fans think, Littler didn't do himself any favors with what he said on stage. He needs to get the fans back on his side so they don't turn on him for good.

If he doesn’t, fans might make things rough on him every time he plays, which is new territory for the teenager.

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