A last-minute try from Conrad Smith has earned New Zealand a hard-fought 20-15 win over England at Eden Park.

Stuart Lancaster's side had looked on course for an impressive result against the world champions in their own backyard, but Smith went over in the corner to break England's hearts after a valiant effort in Auckland.

Freddie Burns had given England the perfect start as they looked to inflict just the second defeat on New Zealand in 36 attempts, but Aaron Cruden levelled things up after Ben Youngs was caught offside.

England started brightly, and their lively opening was rewarded when Burns struck twice in quick succession to give the Red Rose a 9-3 advantage midway through the first half.

However, a couple of errors allowed Cruden to restore parity for the Kiwis just before the break, but England, missing a number of first-team regulars, were content to just be on equal terms with the world champions.

New Zealand started the second half the stronger of the two teams, but England slowly rediscovered their rhythm and edged ahead for a third time through the boot of Burns.

However, that lead lasted just two minutes and after Cruden had equalised, he kicked his side in front after Marland Yarde had been sin-binned for an infringement.

England found themselves up against it, but after New Zealand committed a foul in a ruck, replacement Danny Cipriani stepped up to fire the ball through the posts from distance.

However, despite surviving a close call with four minutes left, England were unable to stop New Zealand touching down in the final seconds as the Kiwis cleverly worked the ball out to the right flank for Smith, who had the easy task of diving over the line to earn his side the win.