England player ratings vs New Zealand: Marcus Smith majestic as George Ford endures last-gasp heartbreak
England suffered heartbreak in their opening Autumn Nations Series game by narrowly losing to New Zealand .
Steve Borthwick's side had looked on course for a first win over the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012, but a converted Mark Tele'a try put New Zealand 24-22 up with minutes to go.
England still had the chance to win it, though, and George Ford hit the post with a penalty before sliding a drop kick just wide in the final play of the game.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings was at Twickenham and rates the England performances...
George Furbank
Had a fairly quiet game, but ran a great support line for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try, following Marcus Smith after he intercepted the ball.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Finished off a great move that started with Smith intercepting the ball. Lively all game, coming off his wing and hunting for possession.
Henry Slade
Had played just 55 minutes of rugby this season, but you wouldn't know it. Such a solid performer. No wonder Borthwick rushed him back.
Ollie Lawrence
The quieter of England's two centres. Not involved much in an attacking sense, but he was solid defensively.
Tommy Freeman
Did not have masses of ball, but was bright on the occasion he got it. Tested early on under the high ball, but recovered well.
Marcus Smith
Faultless from the tee, nailing all six of his kicks at goal. Created England's try with a brilliant interception and break. A majestic display.
Ben Spencer
Handed his first Test start in the absence of Alex Mitchell. Caught out at the base of a ruck and had a kick charged down, but settled after that.
Ellis Genge
Caught out on the wing for New Zealand's opening try when he had an utter mismatch up against Tele'a.
Jamie George
Steady stuff from the England captain, both in the set-piece and loose. Off for the final 30 minutes as England turned to Theo Dan.
Will Stuart
A solid performance from the prop, especially at scrum time. Helped England enjoy dominance there in the first half.
Maro Itoje
Opened New Zealand up with a great pick-and-go from the base of a ruck. Typically everywhere and was excellent in the lineout.
George Martin
Went under the radar alongside Itoje, but he put in a good shift. Carried well when called upon.
Chandler Cunningham-South
Put in a huge hit on Tupou Vaa'i and tried to whip the crowd up. Summed up his performance - a tackling machine.
Tom Curry
Got through so much defensive work during a tireless performance. So vital to England at the breakdown.
Ben Earl
Tasked with doing plenty of carrying and stepped up to the plate. Starting to flourish as England's number eight.
Dan Cole (Stuart 53') 5
Struggled at scrum time, as did Fin Baxter.
Fin Baxter (Genge 53') 5
Had a great summer tour to New Zealand, but endured a tough afternoon here. England lost control of the scrum.
Theo Dan (George 53') 7
One of England's better replacements. Carried the ball well and was lively in the loose.
Harry Randall (Spencer 60') 5
Tried to inject some pace at the breakdown, but England lost control of the game.
Ben Curry (Curry 60') 7
Immediately won a penalty at the breakdown moments after coming on.
George Ford (Smith 63') 5
Caught out wide against Tele'a and could not stop him going over late on. Hit the post with a late penalty, which would have won England the game, and also put a last-gasp drop-goal attempt wide.
Alex Dombrandt (Cunningham-South 66') 6
Put in a few big hits as England defended late on.
Nick Isiekwe (Lawrence 77') N/A
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