England suffered heartbreak in their opening Autumn Nations Series game by narrowly losing to New Zealand.
Steve Borthwick’s side had looked on course for a first win over the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012, but a converted Mark Tele’a try put New Zealand 24-22 up with minutes to go.
England still had the chance to win it, though, and George Ford hit the post with a penalty before sliding a drop kick just wide in the final play of the game.
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at Twickenham and rates the England performances...
Backs
George Furbank 7
Had a fairly quiet game, but ran a great support line for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try, following Marcus Smith after he intercepted the ball.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 8
Finished off a great move that started with Smith intercepting the ball. Lively all game, coming off his wing and hunting for possession.
Henry Slade 7
Had played just 55 minutes of rugby this season, but you wouldn’t know it. Such a solid performer. No wonder Borthwick rushed him back.
Ollie Lawrence 6
The quieter of England’s two centres. Not involved much in an attacking sense, but he was solid defensively.
Tommy Freeman 6
Did not have masses of ball, but was bright on the occasion he got it. Tested early on under the high ball, but recovered well.
Marcus Smith 8 | Player of the match
Faultless from the tee, nailing all six of his kicks at goal. Created England’s try with a brilliant interception and break. A majestic display.
Ben Spencer 6
Handed his first Test start in the absence of Alex Mitchell. Caught out at the base of a ruck and had a kick charged down, but settled after that.
Forwards
Ellis Genge 6
Caught out on the wing for New Zealand’s opening try when he had an utter mismatch up against Tele’a.
Jamie George 6
Steady stuff from the England captain, both in the set-piece and loose. Off for the final 30 minutes as England turned to Theo Dan.
Will Stuart 6
A solid performance from the prop, especially at scrum time. Helped England enjoy dominance there in the first half.
Maro Itoje 8
Opened New Zealand up with a great pick-and-go from the base of a ruck. Typically everywhere and was excellent in the lineout.
George Martin 6
Went under the radar alongside Itoje, but he put in a good shift. Carried well when called upon.
Chandler Cunningham-South 8
Put in a huge hit on Tupou Vaa’i and tried to whip the crowd up. Summed up his performance - a tackling machine.
Tom Curry 7
Got through so much defensive work during a tireless performance. So vital to England at the breakdown.
Ben Earl 7
Tasked with doing plenty of carrying and stepped up to the plate. Starting to flourish as England’s number eight.
Replacements
Dan Cole (Stuart 53’) 5
Struggled at scrum time, as did Fin Baxter.
Fin Baxter (Genge 53’) 5
Had a great summer tour to New Zealand, but endured a tough afternoon here. England lost control of the scrum.
Theo Dan (George 53’) 7
One of England’s better replacements. Carried the ball well and was lively in the loose.
Harry Randall (Spencer 60’) 5
Tried to inject some pace at the breakdown, but England lost control of the game.
Ben Curry (Curry 60’) 7
Immediately won a penalty at the breakdown moments after coming on.
George Ford (Smith 63’) 5
Caught out wide against Tele’a and could not stop him going over late on. Hit the post with a late penalty, which would have won England the game, and also put a last-gasp drop-goal attempt wide.
Alex Dombrandt (Cunningham-South 66’) 6
Put in a few big hits as England defended late on.
Nick Isiekwe (Lawrence 77’) N/A
