10. George Ford – 6.5
A frustrating day personally for Ford, yet he would be delighted to see his side turn the fortunes around in the second half. Had his drop gaol attempt charged down and missed the 30th min pen from the Ireland 10m line. Ford was offside along with Ollie Chessum at 38 minutes, as England worked tirelessly to clear their lines. Missed another conversion after Furbank’s try, as Owen Farrell watched on in the Twickenham stands.
9. Alex Mitchell – 7
Straight back in to start from an calf injury return, Mitchell presented good clearance kicks to begin with. Excellent flat passing finding some great lines, before he knocked on the ball after trying to snipe and go alone at 12 minutes. Good box kicks, asked questions of Ireland in the air and led to a scrum re-sets immediately after the halt-time break.
1. Ellis Genge – 7
Offside at the ruck for the first penalty of the match, as Jack Crowley has a shot at goal and gave Ireland an immediate lead. Also caught napping by van der Flier, who jump over the edge of a ruck and skipped passed the . Wins a big scrum penalty eight minutes in and performed well around the park with strong carries and good passing.
2. Jamie George – 7
Solid lineout throws throughout the match, even his 12th minute overthrow goes backwards and is gathered well by George Ford. Amazing line break on the shoulder of Ben Earl – made some great yards as he powered down the park at 14 minutes. Been carrying brilliantly over the hard yards. Very vocal towards the referee after Lawrence’s 2nd try is disallowed.
3. Dan Cole – 6.5
Great effort up front against Andrew Porter, and helped win a scrum penalty as he and Genge powered over at eight minutes. Made the hard yards count, as he grafted for every inch of grass when the ball was shipped to him. Given a talking too by the referee for encroaching on the Ireland line-out gap.
4. Maro Itoje – 7.5
Strong line out ideas, as he led the side with quick tempo off the top, as England rolled the dice from the touchlines. Resilient as ever at the breakdown, and made his mark on the Irish ball carries. Did brilliantly to keep the ball alive for George Furbank’s try, as he shipped the ball wide to the Saints man. Excellent rip on Gibson-Park to stop Hugo Keenan’s try.
5. George Martin – 8
In for Ollie Chessum at the row and contributed some amazing hits, with a target on the back of Jack Crowley. He flattened Crowley at 17 minutes, before winning a 27 minute set-piece penalty, as Ireland went too early at the line-out. Brilliant around the park, put his body on the line time and again and has solidly stamped his name to future England appearances.