England player ratings vs Samoa as Steve Borthwick’s men confirmed their place at the top of Pool D with a narrow victory against the Pacific Islanders.
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England made it four wins out of four at Rugby World Cup 2023 but were made to work hard before overcoming Samoa 18-17 in Lille on Saturday.
After Ollie Chessum’s score for England early in the first half, Samoa – who beat Chile and lost to Argentina and Japan by fewer than 10 points – played with ambition and growing confidence, and were rewarded with two tries from Nigel Ah-Wong within five first-half minutes and had two more ruled out by the Television Match Official.
Owen Farrell and Lima Sopoaga exchanged penalties before England had two tries of their own ruled out by the TMO. And with Samoa down to 14 men, replacement scrum-half Danny Care’s converted try finally saw England home.
Already confirmed as Pool D winners, England will play the runners-up in Pool C – Australia or, more likely, Fiji – in the quarter-finals in Marseille on Sunday, 15 October.
Scroll down for England player ratings vs Samoa.
THE SCORERS:
ENGLAND: 18
- Tries: Ollie Chessum (9′), Danny Care (73′)
- Cons: Owen Farrell (74′)
- Pens: Owen Farrell (18′, 58′)
SAMOA: 17
- Tries: Nigel Ah-Wong (22′, 29′)
- Cons: Lima Sopoaga (24′, 30′)
- Pens: Lima Sopoaga (48′)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH:
GAMES STATS:
Metres: Manu Tuilagi – 60
Defenders beaten: Jonny May – 7
Tackles: Ben Earl – 15
Tackles missed: Maro Itoje – 3
Turnovers won: Alex Mitchell – 2
England player ratings vs Samoa:
1 Ellis Genge Very poor in the first half but turned up for the scrap in the second half. Departed after 55 minutes. 6
2 Jamie George One of the hardest working forwards England have ever had. 7
3 Dan Cole Put in a decent shift with eight tackles (zero missed) before departing shortly after the break. 6
4 Maro Itoje Missed more tackles today than he has all tournament. Looked off the pace from the off. 4