New All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson let out a big sigh of relief at full-time as his tenure began with a narrow victory.
England’s blitz defence had charged at his side all night.
New Zealand fans will be accustomed to seeing their side play with attacking fluency, but England’s line speed restricted them space to execute their skills.
It led to a change of tactics in the second half.
The hosts kept the ball at close quarters and tried to overpower their visitors, who were up to the challenge.
George Martin and Chandler Cunningham-South both dominated the collision with new All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett in a display of defiance, and last year’s World Cup finalists were restricted to just 16 points at home.
“A decent welcome to Test rugby,” Robertson told BBC Sport.
“From the kick-off in the second half the arm wrestle started and they wouldn’t let us out of it.
“I’m relieved rather than ecstatic. I will sleep well tonight knowing we got the result but also wake up early knowing we’ve got some work to do.
“Man, they are a good team and they have played some good footy this year and they were a moment away [from winning].”
England are playing their best rugby of the Borthwick era, in a year in which they have denied Ireland back-to-back Grand Slams.
“You don’t often see New Zealand play a game like that and it became a proper arm wrestle,” Borthwick, who was a member of the England squad the last time they won in New Zealand, told BBC Sport.
“I’m proud of all the players. We want to keep getting better and improve.
“Today’s another step but let’s be clear, we’re disappointed with the loss.
“Ultimately there were opportunities we didn’t take but when you look at this England team, I’m excited for the future.”
