England rugby fans blast Steve Borthwick decision after dramatic New Zealand defeat

One of England's best performers on the day was Smith, with the 25-year-old scoring four penalties and bagging one conversion.

With Borthwick looking to close out the fixture, however, he took off Smith with Ford thrown on instead.

And England fans on social media have hit out at Borthwick's decision, with many feeling it cost the Red and Whites dear.

"Should never have taken Smith off. Absolute maverick who was on fire let him continue to tear up," wrote one user.

"Ford not match fit yet and it showed. Loss on Borthwick.

"Can talk about the positives all you want. Another loss against the All Blacks when we should’ve won that battle."

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A second said: "I think the blame should live with Borthwick, Marcus Smith was on fire. Should’ve never been off."

A third opined: "Marcus Smith was having a good game and probably would have nailed the penalty / drop goal. Never understand why Borthwick decides to effectively park the bus with 10 mins to go."

Another fan said: "Borthwick lost that game by taking Smith off & bringing Ford on who hadn’t played any club rugby through injury for weeks."

A fifth stated: "Don’t understand why Borthwick took Smith off for Ford. Had he not done that England win that game."

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And even former England rugby star Andy Goode joined in, saying: "When is Steve Borthwick just going to give Marcus Smith his backing for the whole 80?

"Back the man, he’s class and shouldn’t have been taken off."

England did perform well against New Zealand.

But that will be of little consolation to Borthwick, whose side have lost more matches than they've won in 2024 so far.

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New Zealand star Ardie Savea believes his side were let off the hook after Ford missed two big chances at the death.

But he was also proud at how his team performed as they secured a crucial victory.

"I didn't think we had that in the end," he said.

"We got lucky with the penalty kick, but rugby is a game of fine margins and we will take it.

"That game could've gone either way but for us to stay in it and defend the goal-line like that, I'm very proud of the boys.

"England's pack were bringing line speed and they were putting big shots on us. It went back and forth but glad to get the win."