New Zealand 20 England 15: Stuart Lancaster heartbroken by loss

Stuart Lancaster admits the last-gasp 20-15 defeat by New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday was “heartbreaking”.

The sides were level at 15-15 heading into the dying minutes but Conrad Smith crossed to secure a dramatic late victory for the All Blacks in the first Test in Auckland.

There are one or two things we can improve on and there are one or two high-quality players sat in the stand who will be itching to have an opportunity too

Stuart Lancaster

Freddie Burns (12) and Danny Cipriani (3), who made his first start for England in the 2008 RBS 6 Nations, scored all of England’s points.

And although Lancaster was disappointed to see his side beaten at the death, he did take some positives from the performance heading into the second Test in Dunedin next weekend.

“It’s really disappointing. To come to Eden Park and lose at the end is heartbreaking. I thought a draw was a fair result,” Lancaster said.

“I’m frustrated and proud in equal measure. I’m proud of the lads out there, it was a fantastic effort, it’s just a shame we couldn’t nail it.

“There was some great attacking and our defence was strong but once or twice we could have relieved the pressure in middle area and put the pressure back on them.

“There are one or two things we can improve on and there are one or two high-quality players sat in the stand who will be itching to have an opportunity too.”