New Zealand remain on course to complete their perfect year after beating England 30-22 at Twickenham yesterday but they did it the hard way after the hosts fought back from 17-3 down in a thrilling encounter.

With Twickenham rocking as England led 22-20 and scented a second successive upset win following last year’s 38-21 thrashing, the world champions regrouped and managed to send winger Julian Savea over for his second try.

Flyhalf Dan Carter lasted only 26 minutes in his 100th test but by that time his side were seemingly in control after Savea and Kieran Read scored.

England, with their forwards in total command, roared back with a Joe Launchbury try and superb goalkicking by Owen Farrell and though they were edged out in the end the performance will give their young, developing side huge encouragement.

“It was a hell of a test match,” All Blacks captain Richie McCaw told Sky Sports before presenting Carter with his 100th cap.

Carter led the teams on to the pitch in recognition of his 100th cap – joining three other centurions in the All Black side – but he was hurt in an early tackle and replaced by Aaron Cruden.

As the only team to have beaten the All Blacks in 33 matches England had real belief and that grew further when a series of really aggressive attacks drew a penalty that Farrell landed to put them 22-20 ahead after an hour.

While the home fans went wild, McCaw drew his players around him for a huddle as he tried to find a way to turn the tide.

It seemed to work and great work by Ma’a Nonu sent Savea over for his second try.

Cruden converted then added another penalty to make sure and keep his side on course for a remarkable clean sweep of 14 wins from 14 games in 2014, which they can complete by beating Ireland in Dublin next weekend.

England, who beat Australia and Argentina in their two previous games, could take heart from their performance, coach Stuart Lancaster said.

“We will look back at the game with frustration but with pride,” he said.

“Our ambition is to win these games, and we are disappointed to have lost. We are on the right path with some great players and we will keep improving.”

Other results: Italy vs Fiji 37-31; Wales vs Argentina 40-6; France vs Tonga 38-18; Ireland vs Australia 15-32.

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