Overview
- All Blacks assistants Scott Hansen and Tamati Ellison admitted shortcomings and flagged defensive structure fixes, with Scott Robertson set to shake up selections for Wales.
- England’s 33-19 victory featured two late‑half drop goals from George Ford, overturned a 12-0 deficit, ended New Zealand’s Grand Slam chase and marked their first Twickenham win over the All Blacks in 13 years.
- Robertson acknowledged the backlash and insisted team culture remains strong, noting roughly 18 months to correct course before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- England’s footballers finished qualifying with eight wins and eight clean sheets, with Harry Kane hailing the defensive platform as Thomas Tuchel turns to March friendlies before naming his World Cup squad.
- Ireland beat Hungary 3-2 in Budapest through a Troy Parrott hat-trick to move into the European playoffs, while Scotland host Denmark in a Hampden decider that will determine a direct World Cup place.