'Tells you everything about England' - Marcus Smith's final play questioned

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.”

Tells you everything about England with Marcus Smith kicking it out. 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

— Chris Edwards (@ChrisEders) November 19, 2022

“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.”

What an anticlimax to a game of test rugby. 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 #ENGvNZ #AutumnInternationals2022

— william j seivwright (@williamseivwrig) November 19, 2022

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.”

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.

— Mike Cooper (RuckedOver) (@RuckedOver) November 19, 2022

When Marcus smith decides to kick it out…. #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/R2lXYUNipO

— MICHAEL FRANKS (@franklemikes) November 19, 2022

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.”

https://twitter.com/FergsRugbyPosts/status/1594051121622167553

additional reporting PA