The All Blacks XV delivered a masterclass in precision and pressure on November 3, 2025, dismantling England A 31-14 at The Recreation Ground in Bath, Somerset. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. In crisp autumn air, the New Zealand developmental side forced 23 handling errors from their English counterparts, dominated lineouts, and turned Bath’s historic home into a fortress of defensive grit. The result? A sixth straight victory since 2023, and a stark reminder that depth in New Zealand rugby isn’t just a luxury—it’s a weapon.
How the All Blacks XV Took Control
It started early. After just twelve minutes, a perfectly executed maul from a lineout steal by lock Jamie Hannah opened the scoring. The sequence was textbook: Hannah’s quick strike off the set piece, followed by powerful carries from David Havili and Hannah himself, then a crisp pass from halfback Kyle Preston to fullback Chay Fihaki, who found winger Caleb Tangitau in space. Tangitau finished with a leap that sent the home crowd into stunned silence. The All Blacks XV didn’t let up. A scrum penalty ten minutes in gave them territorial advantage, and from there, they suffocated England A’s rhythm. By halftime, the visitors led 19-7, and the errors were piling up—23 in total, according to match officials. England A’s lineout success rate? A dismal 57 percent. That’s not just poor—it’s unsustainable against a side that treats set pieces like a science.Man of the Match: The Unseen Force Behind the Win
While Tangitau’s try stole headlines, the real engine was Brydon Ennor. The Crusaders centre, named man of the match, didn’t just make tackles—he broke games open. Nine tackles. Two turnovers. One defining moment in the 25th minute, when England A surged toward the try line, only for Ennor to rip the ball clean from a ruck. He sprinted 70 meters, offloaded to Sevu Reece, who drew three defenders before feeding Hannah for a try that effectively killed the game. "He’s the kind of player who makes you feel like you’ve got an extra man on the field," said one All Blacks XV assistant coach afterward. Ennor’s 12 tackles from Hannah and 9 from Ennor weren’t just stats—they were psychological blows. England A never recovered their composure.England A’s Struggles: Talent Without Structure
Josh Hodge, the Exeter Chiefs fullback and former U20 World Championship top scorer, did what he could—scoring a try in the 26th minute after a rare All Blacks XV kick fumble. Joe Batley added another later, but neither could offset the structural chaos. England A’s backline looked disjointed. Their scrum-half couldn’t find clean ball. Their fly-half missed two straightforward kicks. And their defense? It collapsed under the weight of constant pressure. "We had moments," said England A head coach, "but we didn’t execute when it mattered. The All Blacks XV didn’t just outplay us—they outthought us."Bath Rugby’s Quiet Dominance in the Premiership
While the international fixture dominated headlines, Bath Rugby’s domestic campaign has been quietly historic. As of November 3, 2025, they sit second in the Gallagher Premiership with 21 points from five matches—just two behind leaders Northampton Saints. Their home ground, The Recreation Ground, hosted this international clash not as a novelty, but as a sign of their stature. Founded in 1865, Bath is rugby’s oldest continuously operating club in England, with six Premiership titles and a 1998 European Cup win to their name. This season, they’re not just competing—they’re contending. With twelve Bath players in international action that weekend, the club’s pipeline is firing on all cylinders.What’s Next? A Tour That’s More Than Just Exhibition
The All Blacks XV’s next stop is Stade Raoul-Barrière in Béziers, France, on November 17, 2025, against Uruguay. It’s not a warm-up—it’s a test. Uruguay, rising in the southern hemisphere rankings, will bring physicality and hunger. For New Zealand Rugby, this tour is a scouting mission. Players like Ennor, Tangitau, and Hannah aren’t just filling jerseys—they’re auditioning for the next All Blacks squad. Meanwhile, Bath Rugby faces Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium on November 14, 2025. A win there could push them within a point of Northampton Saints. With five games played and only seven left, the Premiership title race is tightening. And Bath? They’re not just hosting matches—they’re shaping the narrative.Behind the Scenes: A Club That Never Stops
Bath Rugby’s October 31, 2025, road win in the PREM Rugby Cup was more than a result—it was a statement of depth. Twelve of their players were on international duty that weekend. That’s not luck. That’s culture. From academy to first team, Bath produces players who thrive under pressure. Their coaching staff, led by head coach Pat Lam, has instilled a system that values ball retention, defensive discipline, and rapid transition. The All Blacks XV’s 23 handling errors? That’s the Bath way rubbing off. This isn’t just a home ground—it’s a training ground for excellence.Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the All Blacks XV matter if they’re not the full All Blacks?
The All Blacks XV serve as New Zealand’s elite development squad, featuring emerging talent and fringe All Blacks. Many current All Blacks—including Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea—passed through this team. This tour isn’t exhibition; it’s a high-stakes proving ground. Players here are being evaluated for the 2027 World Cup cycle, making every tackle and turnover critical.
How did England A’s performance compare to their previous matches?
England A had won their last two matches against Wales XV and Italy A by an average of 22 points. But against the All Blacks XV, their discipline collapsed. Their 23 handling errors were their worst in any match since 2022, and their 57% lineout success was the lowest of the season. The gap between England A and top-tier international sides remains stark.
What’s at stake for Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership?
Bath sits just two points behind Northampton Saints with five matches played. With only seven games left, every point matters. A win over Gloucester on November 14 could put them top. Historically, Bath hasn’t won the Premiership since 1996, but this squad—led by captain Tom Dunn and fly-half Sam Underhill—is the most cohesive in decades. The club’s 1998 European Cup win proves they can rise when the pressure’s on.
Who are the key players to watch from the All Blacks XV?
Brydon Ennor (centre), Caleb Tangitau (winger), and Jamie Hannah (lock) are the standouts. Ennor’s turnover rate is among the best in the world at his level, Tangitau has scored in all three tour matches, and Hannah’s lineout work is elite. All three are under 24. If they continue this form, expect to see them in the All Blacks squad for the 2026 end-of-year tests.
Why was this match played at Bath’s ground instead of a neutral venue?
Bath Rugby has a long-standing agreement with New Zealand Rugby to host developmental fixtures as part of their global outreach. The Recreation Ground is one of the few English stadiums with the infrastructure and tradition to host such high-profile non-Premiership games. It also gives Bath’s players exposure to international standards—something they’ve leveraged to improve their own performance this season.
What does this result mean for future England A vs. All Blacks XV matchups?
The 17-point margin is the largest defeat England A has suffered since 2021. It signals a widening gap between England’s second-tier side and New Zealand’s developmental elite. Future fixtures may shift to New Zealand to balance exposure, or England may need to restructure their A-team strategy. For now, the message is clear: depth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about culture, discipline, and execution.
