IT'S back to the drawing board for Jim Mallinder's England after they conceded three tries in a 29-14 mauling at the hands of pre-tournament favourites New Zealand.

With 66 minutes gone in Vichy, the Kiwis had raced into a 29-0 lead, with England's only chances being three missed kickable penalty attempts.

Wasps' flanker James Has-kell and London Irish winger Topsy Ojo both scored tries in the final eight minutes to soften the blow for England, but in truth the defeat could have been much worse.

"We're all so disappointed because we know there were a number of unforced errors," said Worcester Warriors' Richard Blaze, who was making his first start of the World Championships in France.

"It's disappointing because we started well and could have gone ahead early on if we had taken our chances.

"Scoring two late tries and never giving up was really positive but now we just need to regroup and forget about this result."

In a disappointing opening half, Leicester's Bromsgrove-born Jordan Crane, Gloucester fly-half Ryan Lamb and Toby Flood, of Newcastle Falcons, all missed shots at goal.

New Zealander Lelia Masaga took advantage of sloppy England defensive lines to score the opening try on 25 minutes.

Three further penalties from Kiwi Stephen Brett put the All Blacks into a commanding 16-0 lead at the break.

Wing Masaga went over for his second try in the 47th minute, but England did not surrender.

A vital cover tackle by open-side flanker Michael Hills dislodged the ball before it could be grounded.

England held up New Zea-land's next effort over the line, but it proved only to be a temporary respite as wing James Somerset slid over.

Late converted touchdowns from Ojo and Haskell added some much-needed respect-ability to the scoreline.

Next up in France for England is a final pool clash with the old enemy Scotland on Saturday in Riom.