Steve Borthwick defended his choice to interchange Marcus Smith with George Ford after the substitute’s decisive missed penalty and drop purpose condemned England to defeat in opposition to New Zealand.
Fly-half Smith was changed by Ford with 62 minutes on the clock at Allianz Stadium after an impressed particular person efficiency had propelled England right into a 22-14 heading into the ultimate quarter.
After a second strive by Mark Tele’a and an excellent touchline conversion from Damian McKenzie edged the All Blacks forward on 76 minutes, substitute Ford had two alternatives to win it for England.
Ford might take neither, hitting the put up with a late penalty earlier than sending a drop-goal broad with the ultimate act as Borthwick’s choice was thrust into the highlight.
Borthwick mentioned: “I feel when you’ve got gamers of the calibre of these guys, the blokes that got here off the bench, have a look at the risk that Harry Randall is and the expertise George Ford brings, for big elements finally, we have been able to win that recreation.
“New Zealand are a quality side who have played, since we last played, seven Test matches and been together for three months. So, it’s a different context to where we’re at. Credit to them and we’ll be better next week.”
Borthwick bullish – ‘England growing into robust group’
After their two defeats in New Zealand in July, it was the third time in a row England had surrendered a lead late on in opposition to the All Blacks, with Borthwick’s aspect now shedding 5 of their 9 Exams in 2024.
Nonetheless, with Australia, world champions South Africa and Japan travelling to Twickenham this autumn, Borthwick remained bullish about England’s prospects.
“If you look at that New Zealand team and you have got to credit to them, 10 players from the World Cup final played there, more than 1,000 caps, they had more caps in their 15 than we had in our 23,” he added.
“But this England team, led by Jamie [George], really played smart rugby. Unfortunately, yes, we didn’t get the win we wanted but I think everyone can see this team is developing into a very strong team.
“Finally, that is the width of the put up. That is the truth. It’s the width of the put up that the outcome goes come what may and that is the character of Take a look at rugby when you’ve got two good groups. And so they have been two good groups right now.”
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Sky Sports activities’ James Cole brings the newest from the Allianz Stadium after England faltered late on in opposition to New Zealand.
George adamant Ford to not blame
England captain Jamie George insisted nobody would blame Ford after one more agonising defeat by the hands of the All Blacks.
“We were in a position to win the game and whenever you put yourself in a position like that and don’t come away with the win, of course you’re going to be disappointed,” George mentioned.
“I think we actually did exactly what we spoke about (during the final phase). We are a team that cover a lot of detail and we spoke about being in that exact position. We walked through being in that exact position and we felt like we were in control of it.
“We stored attacking. That is the factor we made certain we centered on and discovered a bit from New Zealand in the summertime – we most likely stopped attacking a little bit bit, so we stored attacking them.
“And unfortunately George didn’t make the kick, but I tell you what, he hasn’t missed many in his career, so we certainly can’t blame him for that.”
New Zealand rejoice victory at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Robertson savours win after shock Ford miss
The sight of England gamers slumped to the turf was contrasted by jubilant scenes from victors New Zealand, who’ve now gained 9 of the final 11 conferences between the 2 nations.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson admitted: “I don’t think George Ford has ever missed a drop kick in his life, you know. There was probably a bit of emotion in the game.
“We confirmed plenty of character, stayed within the battle for a protracted time period and quarter-hour to go to come back from eight down is a fairly particular second for us as a bunch.”
New Zealand’s gamers rejoice with the trophy after the Autumn Nations Collection victory over England
What’s subsequent?
England’s Autum Nations Collection continues in opposition to Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 9 (kick-off 3.10pm), whereas New Zealand face Eire in Dublin on November 8 (kick-off 8.10pm).
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