We take a look at the England player ratings vs Argentina from their Rugby World Cup third-place play-off.
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England claimed third place at the Rugby World Cup for the first time after an entertaining, if stop-start, 26-23 victory over Argentina at Stade de France.
Either side of two Owen Farrell penalties, a lovely delayed pass by Marcus Smith put Ben Earl through a gap to score the opening try on nine minutes, which Farrell converted.
The teams exchanged penalty goals before Argentina finally got a proper foothold in the game three minutes before half-time, scrum-half Tomas Cubelli diving over the tryline from close range after Los Pumas stretched the England defence on both wings. Emiliano Boffelli converted.
Santiago Carreras’s brilliant solo effort put Argentina in front early in the second half but England hit back straight away, Theo Dan gathering his charge-down of Carreras’s kick to score England’s second try. This left Farrell, who was booed throughout despite a perfect display from the tee, to see his team home.
Scroll down to the England player ratings vs Argentina: 2023 Rugby World Cup.
COMPETITION:
THE SCORERS:
ARGENTINA: 23
- Tries: Tomas Cubelli (36′), Santiago Carreras (42′)
- Cons: Emiliano Boffelli (37′, 43′)
- Pens: Emiliano Boffelli (24′, 50′), Nicolas Sanchez (68′)
ENGLAND: 26
- Tries: Ben Earl (8′), Theo Dan (44′)
- Cons: Owen Farrell (9′, 45′)
- Pens: Owen Farrell (3′, 13′, 30′, 65′)
GAMES STATS:
Most points: Owen Farrell – 16
Metres: Ben Earl – 52
Defenders beaten: Ben Earl – 4
Tackles: Sam Underhill – 19
Clean breaks: Ben Earl – 2
Tackles missed: Marcus Smith – 5
Turnovers won: Sam Underhill – 2
England player ratings vs Argentina:
1 Ellis Genge – 7
Made some massive shots out of the defencive line, as he planted the Pumas on their backs. No arguments at the scrum-time despite getting a talking to from the referee.
Genge won a huge scrum penalty at 17 minutes, as he folded Gomez Kodela on the drive. Worked well with Underhill as they double-tackled Rubiolo. Missed a tackle on Santiago Carreras’ try, as the Gloucester man skipped past a few tackle attempts. (Bevan Rodd, 50′)
2 Theo Dan – 7
Started off his match with a big carry, with an added fire in the leg drive. Made a key tackle on the third minute, which caused the Pumas to spill the ball. Steeped up to what was a real test in the front row against Julian Montoya, and maintained the line-out well for the most part. Missed a tackle with Ellis Genge, in the build up to Carreras’ try, and instantly redeemed himself by charging down the Gloucester man’s clearance kick before scoring a try. Instantly made ammends for a strong effort. (Jamie George, 53′)
3 Will Stuart – 6
Bruising carries early in the match, as Borthwick’s third-choice tight-head for the World Cup stepped up for his shot to start. Made some crunching tackles on the Pumas, but gave away a penalty at 14 minutes for flying off his feet in the ruck. Huge effort for a first half turnover on Gallo at the scrum. (Dan Cole, 50′)
4 Maro Itoje – 7
Disrupted the line-out well throughout the match, and was flawless when in flight on England ball. Linked up telepathically with his Saracens teammates, regardless of it being Theo Dan or Jamie George throwing in the ball. Great high ball takes off the re-starts.
5 Ollie Chessum – 6.5
Eager to work in defence, and fought tooth and nail for every inch of grass that he could make. Didn’t have as much of a starring role that he has done in previous matches, but had a driven attitude to make his presence known at the breakdown. Lost the ball in flight, as his wavelength was less in tune with Theo Dan than Itoje was. (David Ribbans, 69′).