England finally tasted a victory over New Zealand at Twickenham, ending a 13-year drought and giving Maro Itoje the win he had “dreamed about.”
The match was a showcase of determination and skill, with two crucial drop goals from fly-half George Ford helping England secure their 10th consecutive win under head coach Steve Borthwick.
A Dream Turned Reality
Before the game, Itoje delivered an inspiring team talk that clearly resonated with his teammates.
“He reminded the boys of when they were 14 or 15, dreaming about playing for England and dreaming about playing here against teams like New Zealand,” Borthwick recounted.
“He asked them to bring that youthful dream onto the pitch — to play with intent, excitement, and belief. The boys delivered brilliantly.”
George Ford Shines Under Pressure
Borthwick singled out George Ford for his leadership and consistent performances.
“George is a brilliant player, an outstanding leader, and an even better person,” Borthwick said.
“When he wears the England shirt, he makes brilliant decisions and executes them perfectly. I trust him implicitly at fly-half.”
Ford’s calm, strategic play under pressure proved pivotal in guiding England to a historic victory.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
The coach also hoped the performance would inspire young rugby fans across the country.
“Hopefully there are future England players watching this game who will dream about wearing the white shirt and achieving great victories themselves,” Borthwick added.
The match was not just a win for the team but a motivational moment for aspiring athletes nationwide.
Celebrations in the Changing Room
After the final whistle, the mood in the England changing room was electric.
Itoje reflected on the experience, describing it as one of the most motivating aspects of playing rugby at the highest level.
“There’s something indescribable about being part of a team, putting in the work during the week, and then getting the result.
Those are the moments I’ll miss when I retire,” he said.
A Night to Remember
Borthwick gave the squad the green light to enjoy their win off the field as well.
With the exhilaration of the match still fresh, players celebrated together, relishing both the historic result and the camaraderie that makes being part of the England team so special.
What Comes Next
With this landmark win, England now looks to build on their momentum, maintaining their winning streak and inspiring a new generation of players who will hope to follow in Itoje’s footsteps and achieve similar moments of triumph.