England player ratings vs Australia as Steve Borthwick’s autumn campaign hit another devastating low as the Wallabies pulled off a dramatic 42-37 win.
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Australia snapped a nine-year losing streak at Twickenham with a thrilling 42-37 victory over England in a 10-try blockbuster.
Andrew Kellaway – The Gamebreaker
With a burst of pace, Kellaway looked set to be the hero, breaking away and touching down to put the Wallabies within touching distance of a famous victory. Yet, England had other ideas.
Maro Itoje – The Power Play
Itoje bulldozed over from close range, dragging England back into the lead and sending Twickenham into a frenzy. The home crowd thought they’d done enough. But the drama wasn’t over.
Max Jorgensen – The Match-Winner
With the clock in the red, Jorgensen made his mark. The youngster dived into the corner, delivering the killer blow that left England with no time to recover. A classic showdown that ended with Aussie celebrations and English heartbreak.
Scroll down for our England player ratings vs Australia.
England: 37
- Tries: Chandler Cunningham-South (04′, 11′), Ollie Sleightholme (56′,67′), Maro Itoje (77′)
- Cons: Marcus Smith (12′,68′,78′)
- Pens: Marcus Smith (19′, 30′)
Australia: 42
- Tries: Tom Wright (26′), Harry Wilson (33′), Jeremy Williams (49′), Andrew Kellaway (74′), Max Jorgensen (83′)
- Cons: Noah Lolesio (27′, 34′), Ben Donaldson(75′, 84′)
- Pens: Noah Lolesio (09′, 41′, 52′)
Key stats:
- Metres: Marcus Smith – 66
- Carries: Ellis Genge – 10
- Defenders beaten: Marcus Smith – 6
- Tackles: Maro Itoje – 18
- Missed tackles: Henry Slade – 5
- Penalties conceded: Ben Earl – 2
England player ratings vs Australia:
1. Ellis Genge – 6
A few hard carries for the loosehead, who lived up to his reputation as the ‘Baby Rhino’. He contributed to the attack well and helped set up England’s second score. However, England’s blitz defence often leaves Genge out of place and is targeted. Work needed.
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js2 . Jamie George (c) – 6
The captain had a decent performance, notably being involved with Cunningham-South’s first score. The lineout operated well but apart from that, George had a fairly uneventful match.
3. Will Stuart – 6
Much like his front-row counterparts, he went under the radar. England’s defensive issues cannot be attributed to one player so therefore, gets marked down on that.
4. Maro Itoje – 7
Itjoe is simply undroppable. Despite England’s defence being torn apart by the Wallabies, Itoje was able to make himself a nuisance and perform well. One of only a few who performed well today. A great try, full of power, to take England into a late lead was the highlight of his performance.
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js5. George Martin – 6
An uncharacteristically quiet game for Martin. The usual hard-hitting and no-nonsense second row was unable to match the high-pace at which the game was played and could not make an impact. Replaced by Isiekwe for the last 20 minutes.
6. Chandler Cunningham-South – 6
The huge backrower had a dream start to the game. Two quick tries, one of which showed his brute strength. But it was all downhill for Cunningham-South since then. A needless penalty given away for blocking and some slow work in defence gifted Australia set piece position and tries.
7. Tom Curry – 7
Curry was one of England’s standout performers on the day, despite going off in the 23rd minute after suffering a concussion. The all action flanker had a great effect on the match and was evidently missed after being forced out of the match.
8. Ben Earl – 6
The number eight was livewire and highly energetic. But a few missed tackles contributed to England’s overall poor defence. A few strong carries did give England forward momentum so not all bad for the Saracens man.
9. Ben Spencer – 6
Spencer was organised and structurally sound but the lack of quick ball out of the ruck cost England dearly. Once replaced by Randall, England were able to speed their ball up.
10. Marcus Smith – 9
Simply magic. Smith was easily England’s best player and single-handedly brought them back into the game. Two great grubber kicks handed Sleightholme scores and he ran the show well. Outstanding performance.
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js11. Tommy Freeman – 6
Freeman had a quiet game but did not put a foot wrong. A couple of takes under the high ball but he did not contribute significantly to his side’s cause.
12. Henry Slade – 6
Swapping into the 12 shirt, Slade went a bit quiet throughout the game. It appeared that he was afforded less time on the ball and did not make much ground.
13. Ollie Lawrence – 6
At the start of the match, Borthwick’s decision to switch Slade and Lawrence seemed like a masterstroke. However, despite strong carries, Lawrence was unable to impact the game through his defensive work. Australia were able to break the line easily through the middle of the park.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 6
An unfortunate day for the young winger. He was explosive in contact but did suffer from a head knock and had to come off for an HIA. Brought off for Sleightholme early on in the second half.
15. George Furbank – 5
The full back was non-existent in the back line. Australia’s defence ensured that he was unable to get the ball and he was ineffective.
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
A welcome return for the hooker to an England shirt. A few smart carries and good lineout throwing but that was all Cowan-Dickie was able to offer.
17. Fin Baxter – 6
Baxter was up against it as soon as he came in with Australia’s front row sniffing for blood. He just about managed to hold his own in the scrum but could not help his side avoid defeat.
18. Dan Cole – 6
Much like Baxter, Cole was able to be fairly solid in the scrum but was caught out in defence. The blitz system did not work for England.
19. Nick Isiekwe – 5
England need a heavyweight second row so some blame can be shifted from Isiekwe. But, he did not offer much if anything to England’s performance.
20. Alex Dombrandt – 5
It’s unfortunate for Dombrandt, who has been so consistently great for Harlequins, as he does not fit into this England system. Ineffective and caught out too in both attack and defence.
21. Harry Randall – 6
Randall improved England’s attack tenfold when he came in. In partnership with Ford and Smith, Randall performed well and staked his claim for the starting 9 shirt.
22. George Ford – 6
Ford did not have much to do with Marcus Smith running the show but he offered a calm head in what was a chaotic game. A few smart kicks and the Sale Sharks man did not put a foot wrong.
23. Ollie Sleightholme – 8
What an introduction to the Twickenham faithful! Unbelievable pace and great feet to score two tries. He offered what the rest of his team, bar Smith, could not. A dream performance for the winger who will hope to be involved next week against the Springboks.
Editors picks:
- Referee Slammed for Letting Play Continue After Tom Curry’s Serious Head Injury
- Andy Farrell included on list of contenders to replace England boss Steve Borthwick
- Exeter Chiefs facing serious battle to keep hold of England star Henry Slade
- Secret girlfriend has broken her silence about former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg
Andy Farrell included on list of contenders to replace England boss Steve Borthwick
The former England assistant coach and now Ireland boss, Andy Farrell, is undoubtedly a name that grabs attention. With his roots deeply embedded in English rugby and a successful run with Ireland, fans and analysts alike are intrigued by the idea of his potential homecoming.
Below we look at the current bookies favourites to replace Borthwick.
Rob Baxter – 12/1
The long-serving Exeter Chiefs coach has built a highly successful team, guiding them from the Championship to European champions.
Although Baxter has expressed satisfaction with his role at Exeter, he remains open to discussing the England job. His experience is primarily at the club level, which might be a consideration for the RFU in selecting a national head coach.
Andy Farrell – 10/1
Ireland’s current head coach, Andy Farrell, would be a high-profile option for England, especially given his previous role as their defence coach from 2011 to 2015.
However, he is under contract with Ireland through 2025, and his departure following England’s disappointing 2015 World Cup could complicate a return to the RFU.
Ronan O’Gara – 6/1
The La Rochelle head coach has established himself as a respected leader in European rugby. O’Gara has previously expressed interest in the England role, but he has acknowledged the mental leap required to take on such a high-profile position.
Family considerations and alignment with England’s rugby leadership would be factors in his decision.
Michael Cheika – 5/1
An experienced international coach with stints leading Australia and Argentina, Michael Cheika brings tactical insight and adaptability.
His broad international background would offer England a fresh perspective from outside the English rugby system.
Stuart Lancaster – 2/1
Currently the frontrunner, Lancaster’s successful period with Leinster has boosted his profile since his last tenure as England head coach.
The Racing boss has expressed interest in coaching England again, although he’s also open to opportunities in the southern hemisphere. Lancaster’s RFU experience makes him a familiar and appealing choice for the role.
