Andy Farrell: England will gain vital experience on New Zealand tour

Andy Farrell believes England will gain vital experience from their tour of New Zealand next summer.

The Red Rose pushed the World Cup holders close at Twickenham on Saturday despite eventually succumbing to a 30-22 loss to the All Blacks.

Stuart Lancaster’s men take on the Kiwis four times in 2014, including a three-Test tour in New Zealand, and Farrell is already looking forward to facing the All Blacks again.

“I’m absolutely made up about that ]facing New Zealand four times in 2014] because it’s the first time for many of our boys,” Farrell said.

“Even today, we only fielded seven players who faced New Zealand last year.

“We need as much experience as we can get, so to go to their back yard and play three games is exactly what we need in this moment in time.”

England had trailed 17-3 after a disastrous opening 16 minutes before the Red Rose rallied and held a brief two-point lead until Julian Savea’s late try.

And the England backs coach admitted he was gutted for the England players after being denied a famous comeback against the All Blacks.

“My assessment would be absolutely gutted for the players but still proud. Especially the forwards, they worked their socks off,” he added.

“We mauled New Zealand to death really and scored two tries, although one was disallowed.

“We were working really hard to get a foot in the game. We just lacked a little bit of continuity towards the end.”