England stunned the New Zealand at Twickenham, ending the year in fine style with a 38-21 win.
The All Blacks were heavy favourites but a superb first-half defensive display coupled with the faultless goal-kicking of Owen Farrell meant England led 12-0 at half-time.
Their illustrious opponents put up some resistance in the second half, scoring two quick tries but England countered with tries coming from Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi.
Wales rounded off a depressing set of Autumn internationals with their seventh straight defeat, this time against Australia.
Wales were in control for much of the second half but Kurtley Beale scored a last-minute try to win it 14-12 for Australia.
In the Premier League, Manchester United increased their lead ahead of Manchester City to three points with a 4-3 win at Reading.
All the goals came in a frenetic first half and after going behind twice United took control thanks to Robin van Persie’s winner.
City needed a soft penalty to win a point against Everton, who went ahead via Marouane Fellaini, and third-placed Chelsea conceded two late goals, going down 3-1 at West Ham.
The fixture list for the second round of the FA Cup was dominated by a grudge match between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons, who faced each other for the first time.
Jon Otsemoboor scored an injury-time winner, fortunately flicking the ball over the head of AFC keeper Neil Sullivan with an outstretched foot.
Graeme McDowell finished 2012 on a high, winning the World Challenge in California by three strokes.
McDowell increased his overnight lead over Keegan Bradley by a shot with a final round of 68, finishing on 17 under.
