England's Heartbreak: Why George Ford Shouldn't Bear the Blame for the New Zealand Defeat

The Match Overview: The match showcased England's strong start, with Smith contributing significantly by scoring 17 points and assisting in England's only try. However, as the game progressed, England's eight-point lead began to slip away. New Zealand's Mark Tele'a scored a pivotal try, followed by Damian McKenzie's conversion that shifted the momentum. Ford's subsequent attempts to regain control for England—both a penalty kick and a last-minute drop-goal—failed, sealing the game at 24-22 in favor of the All Blacks. Smith's Perspective on Team Effort: Marcus Smith, who played a vital role in the match, emphasized the collective nature of the defeat. He stated, "It's nothing to do with him why we didn't win the game. It's a team effort." Smith's comments highlight the essence of rugby as a sport where every player contributes to the outcome. While individual performances are crucial, the result is ultimately a reflection of the team's overall execution. Smith's experience with pressure kicks, including his successful drop-goal against Ireland earlier this year, lends weight to his argument that such moments can be unpredictable and challenging. The Pressure of Kicking: Kicking, especially in high-pressure situations, can be a daunting task for even the most skilled players. Smith elaborated on the mental and emotional challenges that come with being a kicker: "As kickers we always practise the drop-goal, but it's very different when you're out there in front of 80,000 people… It's an extremely tough kick." This insight underscores the reality that even seasoned professionals like Ford can falter under pressure, a reminder that athletes are human and subject to the same vulnerabilities as anyone else.