National League opener kicks off with a busy schedule
English National League Rugby returned in September with a fascinating opening round of fixtures.
Fans celebrated the return of domestic rugby union with several competitive games, plenty of hard-hitting tackles, a share of showreel tries, and a few upset results. There was something for everyone as matchday one set the pace for what’s sure to be another hectic and exciting season. You can follow our previews and all the results on this site as we keep followers up to speed with the latest developments.
English National League 1 games gave rugby purists several high-scoring matches. Sedgley Park was the standout performer on Saturday, hammering Esher by 65 points to 24 in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats from the first whistle to the last kick. The victors exploded out of the traps, and that impressive win sent a message to their rivals. Sedgley Park has what it takes to put big numbers on the board and challenge for silverware. Will they go all the way to the title? You can have your say at the best rugby sportsbook using your laptop or mobile device now.
Sedgley Park certainly impressed when bringing the curtain up on the new season, but they weren’t the only team to catch the eye. Bishop’s Stortford blasted past the Leicester Lions with a 36-12 result, proving they shouldn’t be taken lightly this term. Birmingham Moseley beat Dings Crusaders by an impressive 20 points, and Rams scored 41 points when flattening Darlington Mowden Park.
Busy time for rugby fans
The long-awaited return of the English National League 1 season began an important second half of the year for rugby union followers. Plenty is going on in the weeks and months ahead, including an exciting international schedule. England has a packed program with four home games, giving fans a chance to see some of the world’s best players in action. Steve Borthwick’s team host four big-name opponents in a period of three weeks as England aims to end the year on a high.
The internationals begin on the first Saturday of November when England plays New Zealand in a fixture set for a 3:10pm start. There’s always a buzz of excitement in the air when the All Blacks come to the United Kingdom, and their return will attract a capacity crowd with millions more worldwide following the play on television and the best live-streaming apps. The home team will aim to open with a crucial win that will boost confidence ahead of a challenging few weeks.
The big games continue to come thick and fast for England fans, with their team hosting Australia just seven days after facing the All Blacks. England vs Australia is always a hard-fought and competitive contest, and this autumn’s renewal promises to be another classic. The teams have served up some memorable meetings over the years and will savor the chance to grab the bragging rights in this return.
A week after England vs Australia, the Red Rose will line up against South Africa from 5:40pm. The later kick-off time will appeal to fans, and a bumper audience is expected. By the time the hosts play the Springboks, England hope to have momentum in their work from a winning double.
England’s final game of 2024 is against Japan on Saturday, November 24th, at 4:10pm. They plan to end the year on a high, and many experts predict a strong home win. Traders working at the leading betting apps make England red-hot favorites to deliver victory. After playing Japan, the players will return to their club teams until the Six Nations begins on the opening day of February.
England vs New Zealand highlights
In anticipation of England’s opening game of November against New Zealand, we reflect on two high-scoring and memorable past meetings. The featured games remind us why England vs the All Blacks is one of international rugby’s premier fixtures, attracting a global audience. If November’s game can replicate the high scores enjoyed in these meetings, fans are set for a pulsating 80 minutes of play.
England 28-31 New Zealand
A memorable and high-scoring game between the two nations came in the 2014 Autumn Internationals at Twickenham. This contest was a thrill-a-minute affair, remembered fondly by all in attendance. The nations showed their attacking flair and rugby union skills.
Despite enjoying the home advantage in 2014, England fell by just three points in a match that swung back and forth and kept fans guessing right up to the final whistle. Although England suffered a narrow defeat, it was a confidence-boosting performance ahead of the World Cup the following year.
England led the game by 14 points to 11 at halftime, thanks to a try from Jonny May. But the result and never-say-die attitude of the All Blacks confirmed their status as the sport’s number-one team at the time.
England 32-22 New Zealand
Few teams record wins over the All Blacks, and even fewer enjoy 10-point margins of victory, but that’s exactly what England did when beating New Zealand by 32 points to 22 at Twickenham in 2002. That result helped set the standard for England’s famous World Cup win on Australian soil.
Led by Clive Woodward, England made home advantage count at Twickenham, exploding out of the traps with a stunning try from Will Greenwood and conversion from the golden boot of Jonny Wilkinson. New Zealand fought back to stay in the game, but England’s pack began to dominate in the second half. Scores from Ben Cohen and Richard Hill helped drive England across the line.
Proving they could compete with the best in the world, England headed to Australia for the World Cup, where they beat the host nation in a stunning final played at Sydney’s Stadium before a crowd of almost 83,000 fans. Wilkinson finished as the competition’s highest scorer with 113 points, with Australian pair Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina sharing the top try scorer prize.