14 Freddie Steward – 6
Adapted well to his less favoured right wing position, and brought his excellent kicking skills to the number 14 jersey. Beaten on the outside by a dubiously ‘flat’ pass, as Argentina scored at the cusp of half-time. Sent good kicks down into the back-field and chased well.
15 Marcus Smith – 6.5
Started off at fullback once again, with his positional rival Freddie Steward pushed out to the right wing. Sent a nice pass to Ben Earl, as the number eight crashed up for the opening England try. Came off worse in an aerial clash with Emilliano Boffelli, and was seen limping in the back-field. Yet he shook it off, and delivered some nice clearance kicks and skipped past defenders. Took a stinger after Matteo Carreras collided into Smith at pace, sending him tumbling backwards.
Replacements:
16 Jamie George – 6.5
On with some clear messages, as he gathered his side around him. Strong first line-out to find Itoje, and out-witted Creevy in the scrum. Was hurt in a 77th minute scrum, with his immense tournament contribution catching up with him.
17 Bevan Rodd – 6
Seconds after jogging on in a pristine white England kit, Bevan Rodd was caked in mud. Flying into hits from his involvement, Rodd lifted the tempo in the tiring front row. Won a scrum penalty against Bello at 63 minutes, which received a classic England celebration.
18 Dan Cole – 6.5
Like Rodd, Cole was straight involved but had a better contribution at the breakdown than aroudn the loose of the park. Busted up after a 65th minute collision tore his ear, which generated an ‘old-school’ looking image on England’s veteran prop. A good shift to see England to the bronze medals.
19 David Ribbans – 5.5
On to partner up with Itoje, having been a relatively unused reinforcement for the majority of the Rugby World Cup. Quick to get involved with chop tackles on the heavy Argentine carriers. Ribbans will be hoping for more game-time throughout the Six Nations.
20 Lewis Ludlam – 6
Great to see him back, as he will want to throw his hat in the ring to be England’s starting blindside flanker following the international retirement to Courtney Lawes. Offered heavy hits that lifted the latter stage tempo, but knocked on a carry due to poor communication with George Ford. A great defensive effort at 71 minutes, as he listened intently for Nic Berry’s call, before nailing the Pumas scrum half of the back of a maul.
21 Danny Care – 6
Took over from the internationally retired Ben Youngs, with some like-for-like box kicks. Took the ball high to the Argentine line, and shipped it off at the last moment in a style akin to Harlequins teammate Marcus Smith. Nice carrying option, unafraid to go it alone when there was nothing on against the towering Argentina forwards.
22 George Ford – 6.5
Not given an inch of space by the Argentine defenders, who are now all too familiar with his talented efforts at the drop goal. Introduced for an injured Tuilagi, which re-shuffled the back-line and sent Farrell to inside centre. Fended by Nicholas Sanchez in a tackle attempt, but was brave to collide with a rattling Matteo Carreras, who hit top speed along the touch-line.
23 Ollie Lawrence – 5
On for an underwhelming Henry Arundell, with his added physicality matching up well to Los Pumas. Knocked on his first attempt at a crash ball, and then tapped a ball forward in a tackle attempt. Gave away a 74th minute penalty over the breakdown, and was beaten out wide by Matteo Carreras on his way to collide with Ford.
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