SEMESA Rokoduguni missed out on a winning start to life in an England shirt as Stuart Lancaster’s men were narrowly beaten by New Zealand at Twickenham.

Handed his debut on the right wing, the former Lytchett Minster centre could not prevent a 24-21 defeat for the hosts in their first autumn international of the year.

Much of the pre-match attention had focused on the inclusion of Rokoduguni, the first serving soldier to represent his country since skipper Tim Rodber in 1999.

However, the Fiji-born flyer experienced a quiet debut and was taken off in favour of Bath team-mate Anthony Watson in the 62nd minute.

Gloucester wing Jonny May got England off to superb start before Aaron Cruden replied with a controversial score.

Nine points from the boot of Owen Farrell helped the home side take a 14-11 advantage into the break against a team that had lost just twice in 39 Tests.

Rokoduguni was left hopelessly exposed by his team-mates at the start of the second half when he was left to defend a three-on-one overlap from which All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw easily went over.

New Zealand increased their lead thanks to a try from Charlie Faumuina with nine minutes remaining, before a converted penalty try saw England fall just short.