8 Ben Earl – 8.5
14 tackles. 11 carries. Simply awesome. Ben Earl was phenomenal against Fiji, and looked set to score the try of the tournament following his solo breakaway in the closing moments of the match. Quick over the break-down, as he worked tirelessly to secure the turnovers, and had the entire England side cheering in his recognised style. A 38th minute turnover took the wind out of the flying Fijian sails, and presented an astute rucking knowledge by goading in his opponents to go off their feet. One of, if not his best day in an England shirt.
9 Alex Mitchell – 7.5
Barking orders around the park, as he dictates his forwards to hit up against the physical Fijians. Happy to take the lead with quick tap penalties, playing like an experienced England halfback. Confident box kicks, a strong showing from the boot. An excellent showing from the Northampton nine. (Off – Danny Care 59 minutes).
10 Owen Farrell (c) – 8
An excellent showing from the boot, with eagerness to kick to May and Daly out wide early on. Left his mark with a less than perfectly timed tackle on Botitu, after just four minutes. A strong showing from the boot to find touch, with a slight blemish coming from the tee as he hit the post once. Imposed his physicality with strong hits, and ignored the claims for a high tackle on Radradra following his own kick-chase.
Back to his best, exciting signs from Farrell who gave a true captain’s contribution both in attack and defence. Nailed a Wilkinson-Ford esque drop goal, and beat the kicking stop clock.
11 Elliot Daly – 6
Slow start, as he could not get over in support of an isolated Ben Earl. Really good attacking shape, and drew heavy shots in the process. Nailed off the ball and then in a triple tackle for a bruising run-out. His best run came in the 43rd minute, as the Saracen cut his way through five Fijian defenders on a weaving run into the back-field.
12 Manu Tuilagi – 7
Transitioned in the back-line with Marcus Smith at second receiver, and scored his first England try in two years to open his side’s account. An excellent burst of speed cruised through two defenders and over to score. Tuilagi was sold by Mata’s dummy, as the Fijian number eight scored in the first half. Interesting shoving altercation with Joe Marler presented how fired up the England side were.
13 Joe Marchant – 7
Received a hospital pass for his first involvement that saw him take a heavy hit, and was then turned over on the deck. However, he soon fired back with key running lines, and scored England’s second try of the match. A nice line break cut back inside and over the try-line. Awesome defence, and goaded Fijian defenders to fly off their feet for a 37th minute penalty. Presented his versatility in defence as he was pushed out wide, following Ollie Lawrence’s introduction.
14 Jonny May – 6.5
Really good defensive work from the Gloucester winger, as he managed to cope with the powerful threats of Semi Radradra along his touchline. Committed well to the breakdown, as England threw plenty of men into the counter rucks. Swarmed Radradra at every given opportunity, and forced Fiji to attack in field. Try saving tackle on Nayacalevu overshadowed by Ravai’s try shortly after. Strong effort from May. (Off – Ollie Lawrence 64 minutes)