England head coach Stuart Lancaster believes that his side's game management in the closing stages of their match with New Zealand was the difference between victory and defeat.
Conrad Smith scored a last-minute try to deny England a memorable draw at Eden Park, but despite admitting his frustration, Lancaster has revealed that he was proud of his team's effort against the world champions.
The 44-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I'm frustrated because we managed to put ourselves in a position to win the game, but I'm probably proud in equal measure because it was a fantastic effort from the lads out there. It was just a shame that we couldn't nail it.
"The difference was probably our game management at the end because we put ourselves under pressure once or twice. We put together some outstanding rugby, our set pieces were excellent, we put together some great attacks and our defence was strong.
"However, once or twice, we could have probably relieved the pressure in the middle areas and put pressure back on them, but that's the game at this level."
The second Test of the three-match series takes place next Saturday.
Darren Plant
