Matt Dawson makes stance clear on George Ford after England defeat to New Zealand
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Matt Dawson has insisted George Ford shouldn't be blamed after England lost to New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.
With Steve Borthwick's men trailing in the closing stages, Ford missed two chances to win the game.
The first was a penalty that hit the post, with the visitors let off the hook.
And the second was right at the death, with Ford sending a drop goal wide.
Matt Dawson has insisted George Ford shouldn't be blamed after England lost to New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday
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England were brilliant throughout the contest, playing with the sort of bravery and courage that has made them a force under Borthwick.
Not for the first time, however, did they come so close to securing victory before ultimately failing to come out on top.
Ford was visibly frustrated at the final whistle, with the veteran cutting a dejected figure as he congratulated New Zealand on their win.
Yet Dawson doesn't feel he should be blamed.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the 2003 World Cup winner said: "It was utter chaos. All it needed was the composure from George Ford but you cannot put the blame on him.
"It was a terrible pass under pressure.
"England had their chances and the moment they look like they want to play, they look dangerous."
Former England star Chris Ashton also opened up.
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And the ex-winger feels Ford will be more frustrated by his missed penalty, rather than the failed drop goal attempt just mere moments later.
"George Ford will be more upset by the missed penalty, not the drop-goal necessarily," he said.
"The scrum put England under pressure and then every hit from New Zealand stopped them in their tracks.
"Similar to the summer, they were so close but they haven't got the job done."
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England performed well against New Zealand but ultimately crashed to defeat
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Meanwhile, New Zealand star Ardie Savea has provided his verdict.
He admits he thought they were bound to lose the clash prior to Ford's late penalty miss.
And he also said he was 'very proud' of the way his team performed against such a strong England side.
"I didn't think we had that in the end," he admitted.
England scored just one try against New Zealand as the All Blacks won the showdown at Twickenham
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"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."
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