Following the All Blacks thrilling comeback from 22-24 at Twickenham, we present our comprehensive player ratings for Steve Borthwick’s England.
England player ratings
15 George Furbank: Furbank may have been somewhat at fault for rushing in too early, allowing the first All Blacks try, yet he displayed a level of composure that was commendable. He endeavored to ignite plays but ultimately fell short of the dazzling performances he has recently delivered in the Premiership. 5
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: The rookie sensation continues to impress, taking to Test rugby with remarkable ease. His long-range try was a highlight and, had it secured victory, would have marked a memorable debut. In addition, his dominance in aerial contests and ability to break through seven defenders showcased his burgeoning talent. 8
13 Henry Slade: Expectations were high for Slade, especially on the defensive front, yet his performance was somewhat underwhelming. While he wasn’t poor, he didn’t display the impact necessary to solidify his starting position within the squad. 6
12 Ollie Lawrence: Despite facing constraints in attacking freedom, the formidable Bath player stood out defensively, recording an impressive 22 tackles as he provided a solid backbone in the midfield for England. His potential seems limitless as he continues to impress as both a defensive stalwart and an attacking asset. 8
11 Tommy Freeman: Freeman had a challenging outing against a fierce opponent in Mark Tele’a and struggled to assert his influence on the game. His quiet performance left much to be desired. 5
10 Marcus Smith: Smith delivered an inspired performance that was pivotal in propelling England forward. His masterful control of the game, along with accurate kicking and a crucial intercept leading to a try, solidified his status as England’s go-to fly-half. The decision to substitute him just beyond the hour mark proved detrimental to the team’s outcome. 9
9 Ben Spencer: Spencer’s performance included occasional errors, yet his tenacity remained evident. His contestable kicking varied throughout the match, but overall, he showcased a commendable effort as he contributed to the game’s flow. 6
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8 Ben Earl: Earl’s relentless work ethic was evident, as he delivered in both defensive and offensive roles, reaching double figures in tackles. Although a late grass-cutter tackle had significant consequences, his all-around effort remains commendable. 7
7 Tom Curry: Curry was a powerful presence in the back row, contributing to a balanced performance. With 14 tackles under his belt, he worked hard to influence play at the breakdown despite some challenges. 6
6 Chandler Cunningham-South: England appears to have discovered a formidable blindside in Cunningham-South. With personal ties to New Zealand, his determination shone through in a standout performance that showcased his prowess on the pitch. 8
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5 George Martin: Martin exemplified brute force, living up to expectations as a second-row powerhouse. His aggressive tackling totaled 15, complemented by solid line-out performance, collectively marking a strong contribution. 7
4 Maro Itoje: Known for thriving in crucial matches, Itoje excelled with key plays at pivotal moments, including powerful carries and a crucial steal in the second half, solidifying his status as an inspired performer. 8
3 Will Stuart: Stuart put forth a fierce display in the set-piece, significantly challenging Tamaiti Williams. The team’s decline in scrum performance post his substitution underscored his importance in maintaining pressure on the opposition. 8
2 Jamie George: The England captain is a model of reliability, making minimal errors while executing his responsibilities flawlessly. Although he did not dominate the game, his solid performance was a testament to his capabilities. 6
1 Ellis Genge: Genge maintained a commendable scrummaging standard, although he did not produce the signature moments of aggression or impactful runs typically expected from him. 6
Replacements: The match’s tide shifted with the substitutes; unfortunately, only Ben Curry made a notable impact. The overall scrum struggled, leading to penalties, while George Ford’s lackluster cameo included a failed tackle attempt and a missed drop goal, highlighting disappointing moments for the bench. 3
**Interview with Rugby Analyst, Jane Thompson, on England’s Performance Against the All Blacks**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jane. Following the thrilling match between England and the All Blacks, the player ratings have been released. What were your impressions of England’s overall performance?
**Jane Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It was certainly an exhilarating match, wasn’t it? England showed promise but ultimately struggled to maintain their lead. The game highlighted both individual prowess and team weaknesses.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about some standout players. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso had a remarkable debut, scoring a long-range try. How do you assess his contribution?
**Jane Thompson:** Feyi-Waboso was undoubtedly a breath of fresh air for the team. An 8 out of 10 for a debut performance speaks volumes about his impact. He handled the pressures of Test rugby well and his ability to break defenders and win aerial contests was impressive. If he can maintain this form, he’ll be a great asset moving forward.
**Interviewer:** On the other hand, Marcus Smith was highlighted for his pivotal role yet was substituted early. Do you think the coaching decision impacted the match outcome?
**Jane Thompson:** Absolutely. Smith was on fire, controlling the game effectively with his kicking and playmaking abilities. Substituting him was a questionable decision, and it felt like England lost momentum without him. His leadership on the field was crucial, and it’s disappointing that his performance was cut short.
**Interviewer:** What about Ollie Lawrence? He had a strong defensive showing with 22 tackles, but how did he contribute to the attack?
**Jane Thompson:** Lawrence’s defensive work was commendable, but we did see some constraints in his attacking role. He is becoming a defensive linchpin but needs the freedom to express himself more when on the ball. He has immense potential, and with time, I believe he can balance both facets of his game.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, any thoughts on the impact of George Furbank at fullback? His performance had mixed reviews among fans.
**Jane Thompson:** Furbank had a tough time, particularly with that opening try he allowed. It’s hard not to second-guess his decision-making in that moment. However, he did show aspects of composure that are essential for a fullback. It’s a learning experience for him, and I think with more exposure, he can improve.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jane, for your insights. It’s clear that while there were highlights for England, there is still room for improvement ahead of the upcoming matches.
**Jane Thompson:** Absolutely! It’s about finding that consistency. England has talent; they just need to harness it effectively. Looking forward to seeing how they build from here!
