Autumn Nations: Jamie George dissects England loss from winning position v New Zealand - 'Saying that for a while now'

England's George Ford missed two late kicks against New Zealand that meant that the home side fell to defeat at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening. England had also conceded a 77th-minute try, but despite the hat-trick of disappointments in the closing minutes, captain Jamie George said he was "very proud" of the performance and promised they would improve against Australia.

England captain Jamie George attempted to diagnose how his side contrived to lose their epic battle with New Zealand on Saturday.

The home side came close to victory in their Autumn Nations Series opener, leading by eight points late in the second half, but conceded a try and then missed two late kicks, meaning the All Blacks were able to hold on for their latest Twickenham triumph.

England had been ahead until the 77th minute, when Mark Tele'a dotted down, and Damian McKenzie converted. 

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George Ford then had chances with a penalty two minutes later, and then with a drop goal in the 80th minute, but missed with both efforts.

Speaking after the match, George acknowledged that losing by slim margins was becoming a habit.

He said: “I think what we said [in the huddle] was, firstly, very proud of the effort. We’re close. We’re very close to being a good team, but we’ve been saying that for a while now.

• Borthwick urges England to 'accelerate the learning'
• How to watch the Autumn Nations on TNT Sports and discovery+

Watch: Drama at the death as Ford misses chance to secure famous England win with drop goal

Video credit: TNT Sports

“The emphasis for us has got to be on doing everything we possibly can to make sure we go take that next step to winning those fine games.

“We had one against France in the Six Nations, we had two in New Zealand and we had another one here.

“We don’t like losing at home, but we lost to a good team tonight. We’re going to get our heads down and work to be a much better team come Australia.”

George suggested that England had failed to keep their discipline in the second half after an impressive first 40 minutes.

He explained: “We were so disciplined, I think the penalty count at half-time was 7-1 to us, then we gave them easy field position off penalties, whether that comes through set pieces or in and around the ruck.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

“There are big swings in fine games like that, so we’ll learn, we’ll move on, and make sure we’re better.”

The captain recognised the effort of the fans at Twickenham to support the team, adding: “What an atmosphere it was at the Allianz Stadium tonight. It was electric. The last time we were here was at the Six Nations against Ireland. 

“What I’m feeling is the fans are really getting on board with what we’re doing. I love that connection. I think that’s what rugby is all about. Hopefully, we made them proud tonight, and we promise to work hard to be a better team come next week.”

England face Australia in their second Autumn Nations Series clash next weekend, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Stream the 2024 Autumn Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+

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