2005 Twickenham Victory vs England

Lore & Background

The National Rugby Union teams of England and New Zealand have been playing each other in test rugby since 1905, with the first meeting on 2 December 1905, when the All Blacks won 15-0. The All Blacks have never lost more than two consecutive matches to England (once, on losses in November 2002 and then June 2003), and have dominated the rivalry. Of the 47 matches between them, New Zealand have won 36 and England 9, with two draws.

In Their Own Story

The London air bit cold against the skin as players stepped onto the pitch, the floodlights casting long shadows across the grass. Inside their black jerseys, hearts pounded in rhythm with the traveling fans' chants echoing from the stands. The referee's whistle cut through the noise, and the ball snapped into play—an oval shape spiraling through the crisp night air. Every tackle was a collision of wills on the muddy turf, no helmets to hide behind, just raw determination.

Reader's Guide

The shield was unveiled in 2008 by New Zealand's Prime Minister at the time, Helen Clark, and Hillary's widow, Lady June Hillary. Clark said of Hillary: 'He was part of a British expedition when he conquered Mt Everest shortly after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.'

Did You Know?

• The first Test between England and New Zealand was on 2 December 1905, with the All Blacks winning 15-0.
• In 1936 England defeated the All Blacks for the first time, winning 13–0 at Twickenham.
• The All Blacks have never lost more than two consecutive matches to England.