6. Ollie Chessum – 7
Great effort to force Gibson Park into touch at eleven minutes, and solid passing in the loose. Adapted well to his move out to blindside flanker. Monstrous hit on Bundee Aki after 20th min re-start to send the centre in touch. Lost the ball in contact after Aki was over the ruck, and Crowley was able to have a shot at goal. Overall strong contribution from the Leicester man, with Gibson-Park taking the full brunt ahead of James Lowe’s second try.
7. Sam Underhill – 7
Excellent tackling, the blue, black and white battler set out for an afternoon of hard hits. His 18th minute shot on Aki sent shockwaves around Twickenham. One of the best blitzers in the business, Underhill left hit after hit on the Irish carriers. Great offload in the run up to Furbank’s try, as he popped it up to Itoje.
8. Ben Earl – 8.5
Clattering into contact, and great effort at the offload to put Jamie George through for a break. Gave away a penalty when going for the jackal in an offside position at 19 minutes and Crowley narrowed the gap to 8-6. Great chase down for his hit on Frawley after Ford’s spiral bomb. Overheard on the ref much calling ‘I’ve got Crowley’, and sent shudders down the fly half’s spine. Brilliant line break at 57 minutes, as he exploded into the Ireland backfield. Phenomenal turnover at 67’ as he sends Twickenham into a frenzy. Lifted the roof with his try, as he powered over from close range.
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan – 6
Given a considerable amount of game-time given the magnitude of the match, Dan has established himself as more than just a man to make up the numbers when Jamie George fatigues. Commanded the set-piece well, the Saracen stepped up to the mark and made sure his minutes counted with some grafting carries.
17. Joe Marler – 6.5
Penalised for holding on at 70 minutes, as two Ireland players jackal for the ball. Gifted Ireland a strong attacking position. Redeemed himself with an astounding work rate, making hit after hit when Ireland took the match down to the close quarters. A solid effort from the Harlequin-heavy England bench.
18. Will Stuart – 6
A good outing, yet the bright lights of Twickenham were not pointing in his direction. Working well to do the unseen graft, Stuart lifted the tempo at the scrum and through his wait around the park as he hit a solid amount of rucks.
19. Chandler Cunningham-South – 7
On for Sam Underhill just before the hour mark, and picked up immediately were the back-row left off. Blistering line speed played into the Harlequin’s skillset, as he utilised a high tempo in England’s blitz defence. His biggest involvement was a bulldozing carry at 76 minutes, as he built up a full head of steam and then offloaded to his club-mate Marcus Smith.
20. Alex Dombrandt – 6
Another Harlequin who influenced the match’s latter stages, Dombrandt’s inclusion reshuffled the deck and moved Ben Earl out to the flank. Like his fellow Harlequins replacements, Dombrandt upped the intensity upon his arrival, and asked questions of the Irish defence with some solid carries.
21. Danny Care – 7
Huge moment or him, as he made his 100th test cap for England. re-kindled the Harlequins partnership as he linked up with Marcus Smith. Confident box kick at 69 minutes, as Ireland get pinned under pressure. Won the second half battle of the nines as he was constantly pressuring Gibson-Park.
22. Marcus Smith – 8
On at 58 minutes to an eruption of noise, as England missed their talismanic halfback. Flash quick ball from his first inclusion, linked up seamlessly with Danny Care and sent his powerful forwards into punching holes. Could not stop James Lowe on the way to score his second try, despite his best efforts. Unbelievable finishing touch, as he wins the match with a moment of magic with the drop goal!
23. Elliot Daly – 6.5
On for Henry Slade at 66 minutes, and was nailed immediately as he went to the boot and gifted the ball back to Ireland. Stepped up to the mark to slot a penalty from the half-way line, but the effort went wide of the posts. A good outing, yet the barnstorming Feyi-Waboso could well retain his place for the France game.