England hit the self-destruct button once again as their most encouraging performance of the Autumn Internationals ended in another record defeat, 32-6 to New Zealand.
The All Blacks completed a historic third Grand Slam tour with their biggest Twickenham victory over England, whose indiscipline and inaccuracy cost them yet again.
England spent a remarkable 33 minutes of the match down to 14 men after having four players sin-binned and could have been on the end of a greater hiding had fly-half Dan Carter not missed an uncharacteristic five kicks from 11 attempts.
England’s endeavour kept them in touch until the final quarter when the All Blacks pulled clear, with full-back Mils Muliaina scoring two tries and man-of-the-match Ma’a Nonu adding a third.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw lifted the inaugural Hillary Shield, named after the mountaineer who made the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953.
England manager Martin Johnson will have taken significant positives from the performance – but when New Zealand went for the peak, England were left struggling in the foothills.
The result confirmed England will be in the second tier of the World Cup draw, when it is made in London on Monday.