 In the summer of 2008, before a tour of New Zealand, a second-string England played host to the Barbarians at Twickenham, edging the match 17–14 with tries from Nick Easter and Mathew Tait.It was nominally Martin Johnson's first match in charge although he would not take full control until after the summer tour to New Zealand.On 14 June 2008, England began their tour of New Zealand and a young side were put to the sword in Auckland.