Everyone is saying the same thing after England’s painful loss

England head coach Steve Borthwick faced intense criticism after a narrow 24-22 defeat New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium, with many questioning his decision to replace the fly-half Marcus Smith of George Ford late in the game.

Ford’s introduction proved costly as he lacked a one-on-one tackle Mark Telea when he scored a crucial try before failing to convert two late chances to secure victory with two kicks on goal.

England had fought hard to keep up with the All blacks but Telea’s second try shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favour.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – the hype is real

Sizzle reel for England and Exeter star, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – the hype is real

Sizzle reel for England and Exeter star, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

However, Steve Borthwick’s side were given a lifeline in the closing moments after Anton Lienert-Brown’s dangerous tackle Theo Daan gave Ford the opportunity to give his team an edge. With a 77th minute penalty, Ford struck the right upright.

A downer from the All Blacks saw England Moments later he was awarded a close-range scrum but Ford’s drop goal went wide, dashing England’s hopes of a comeback to the competition. Fall Nations Series opener.

The decision to bench Smith – who was in good control of the game – was criticized by fans and pundits alike. Andy Goode, the former England fly-half, echoed the sentiment of many by tweeting: “I’m not sure I could take Marcus Smith off the pitch when he was on fire and one missed tackle made the difference in the end… When is Steve Borthwick just going to give Marcus? Smith’s support for the entire 80s? Support the man, he is classy and should not have been taken off the field.’

Rugby podcaster Mike Cooper wrote: “Well, England slaughtered that one in the right way. Borthwick needs a proper examination to find out why you would take out your best performing player to try and hold on against the All Blacks. Earl’s mindless no-arm tackling is also crucial. Small losses are no longer good enough.”

Former All Blacks are half flying Lima Sopoaga wrote, “If I’m Marcus Smith, I’m spitting,” while retired Fiji And Leicester Tigers winger Nemani Nadolo said: “Crazy old game…crazy to take Marcus Smith off…I thought the energy changed when he left?”

Another rugby report wrote: “Changes for the sake of it are costing England. Marcus Smith had a good game and probably would have scored the penalty/drop goal. Never understand why Borthwick decides to effectively park the bus with 10 minutes to go.

Another story read: “Why on earth would you subsidize Marcus Smith when he played impeccably? A pointless sub-choice that cost us the game. Of all the unusual substitutions England rugby fans have ever seen take place, one really takes the cake. Bizarre decision, which puts Ford under pressure.”

The match was fueled by pre-match controversy, with England the mainstay Joe Marler dismissing the haka as “ridiculous” and calling for it to be “thrown away.” Although the fireworks expected from the All Blacks were slow to come, they exploded in the final minutes.