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'Tells you everything about England' - Marcus Smith's final play questioned
By Ian Cameron
England flyhalf Marcus Smith's decision to kick the ball out to draw their crunch Autumn Nations game with New Zealand has been questioned online - despite England's heroic late fightback to snatch the result.
England remarkably snatched the 25-25 draw with New Zealand against the odds when Stuart grabbed his second try on the stroke of full-time.
The replacement crashed over from close range after a free-flowing move and Smith was able to successfully kick the conversion in front of the posts.
But boos greeted the decision by Smith to kick the ball out of play with the clock in the red after the All Blacks had restarted the game.
While the Twickenham crowd wanted the hosts to go for victory, they witnessed only the second ever draw in 43 meetings between the sides, which was all the more impressive considering England trailed by 19 points with nine minutes left.
New Zealand flyhalf Richie Mo'unga admitted it 'was a bit surprising' to see Smith boot the kick the ball out with the game still in the offing.
Skipper Owen Farrell backed the call, branding it the right decision given England's position on the field.
It was remarked upon online of course, with most criticising what came across as an overly conservative decision from the young playmaker.
"Tells you everything about England with Marcus Smith kicking it out," wrote one fan. "That score line and last 10 mins has made sure Jones will escape being highly criticised. Want to get behind England but we are miles off a grand slam or World Cup next year."
"Apparently a draw is acceptable to Marcus Smith. Whatever happened to playing for the win?" wrote another.
Apparently a draw is acceptable to Marcus Smith. Whatever happened to playing for the win? 🤷🏻♂️
— Andre van Niekerk (@rabidmosquito) November 19, 2022
"What an anticlimax to a game of test rugby," Tweeted another fan. "England (or should I say Marcus Smith) bottled it. They had the all blacks on the ropes but chose the safe (cowards) option to settle for a draw. Disappointing end. Boooooo."
Mike Cooper of Rucked Over wrote: "England can congratulate themselves on a hell of a comeback, albeit I didn’t like Marcus Smith (who was excellent)’s call to kick it off. But if they’re honest, my gosh they shouldn’t have had to go to the well. Power and territory dominance, but just so lazy close to the line."
Some did defend the decision by Smith - who had a strong game otherwise - to protect the draw. "So funny. England kick it out - negative play. England keep it in and lose - They’d be called arrogant and heavily criticised. 100% the right call."
additional reporting PA
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Latest Comments
It might be legal but he’s sailing pretty close to the wind. Not a lot needs to go wrong for Finau to end up in the bin. Was it late? Not quite, but borderline. High? A couple of CM within the laws, no room for error with that one. Did he wrap the arms? There was a token effort to wrap one arm, the intent was clearly to hit with the shoulder. So yeah, it’s legal, just. But as we all know, a very slight change in the dynamics could easily have him seeing red. Hopefully not when it really matters.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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