JAMIE'S GUTSY V FOR VICTORY

JAMIE GEORGE devised England's defiant challenge to the haka that set the tone for the standout win of the Steve Borthwick era as New Zealand were overrun at Allianz Stadium.

- 

England 33 New Zealand 19

George, on the eve of the match, persuaded head coach Borthwick and captain Maro Itoje to revisit the response to the Maori war-dance issued in the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup.

Just as in Yokohama, England confronted the All Blacks by fanning out into a V-formation and on this occasion the Twickenham crowd played their role by joining in with ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’. It was gripping sporting theatre.

“I had an idea and I thought, ‘Why not?’, so put it to Maro and Steve and they got on board with it,” said George, who was also the starting hooker six years ago.