England's two-point defeat by New Zealand on Saturday should not be considered George Ford's fault, says Marcus Smith.
On Saturday against New Zealand, George Ford was unable to find the form that brought him three successful drop-goals against Argentina at the World Cup last yearSmith, 25, scored 17 points and set up England's only try before being replaced in the final quarter by 97-cap Ford, who missed a potential match-winning penalty and last-gasp drop-goal.
"I've learned so much off George. He's an unbelievable kicker, both off the tee and out of hand. It was one of those days. Ford's penalty struck the post and was dropped by New Zealand, giving England an unexpected second chance to snatch the game, but Ford was unable to convert the drop-goal with the clock in the red."As kickers we always practise the drop-goal, but it's very different when you're out there in front of 80,000 people and the All Blacks shouting 'Drop-goal! Drop-goal!'," Smith added.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
England's Marcus Smith wants to stay as fly-half for autumn internationalsMarcus Smith says he is fully focused on cementing a place as England's starting fly-half, despite reprising his cameo full-back role for his club over the weekend.
Read more »
England's Marcus Smith wants to stay as fly-half for autumn internationalsMarcus Smith says he is fully focused on cementing a place as England's starting fly-half, despite reprising his cameo full-back role for his club over the weekend.
Read more »
Marcus Smith's exit was one of 7 big England mistakes in All Blacks defeatWhere Steve Borthwick's men went wrong in agonising loss
Read more »
Jordan Cox set to deputise for Jamie Smith on England's tour of New ZealandJordan Cox looks set to make his England Test debut on the tour of New Zealand, with Jamie Smith likely to miss part of the series for the birth of his first child.
Read more »
England vs New Zealand: Ben Earl confident England's time is now to win tight TestsEngland's time to 'get over the line' in tight Test matches against the world's best sides is now, says number eight Ben Earl.
Read more »
England vs New Zealand: Ben Earl confident England's time is now to win tight TestsEngland's time to 'get over the line' in tight Test matches against the world's best sides is now, says number eight Ben Earl.
Read more »