7 Tom Curry – 6.5
Great line-speed throughout the match, and embodied the do-or-die mentality that England brought into the semi-final. Quick over the ball, and supported his bigger ball carriers into contact. Taken off at 32 minutes for a brief blood replacement, as his nose was busted up in the physical fray. Relentless eyes-up scrummaging and made key tackles on Vermuelen, when the number eight picked from the back. 16 tackles with a bloodied face, Curry left it all out on the pitch. (Billy Vunipola, 68′).
8 Ben Earl – 6.5
Tried his hand with some picks from the back of the scrum, with Tuilagi in-tow for a formidable line-breaking duo. Did not have the starring role that he had in the quarter-final win over Fiji, or the World Cup opener against Argentina. Made a strong 62 minute carry as he split the back-field, and battled to the very end with England left devastated at the final whistle.
9 Alex Mitchell – 6
Battled on valiently after being levelled out by Duane Vermuelen early on. Excellent box kicks in the first half, as he rolled with the punches as the scrum half target. Drew in Etzebeth to win a breakdown penalty, with the eager lock too quick off his line and pinged offside. Sent some nicely weighted touch finders and was comfortable under the high ball as well. Made an important tackle on Kolbe, as the winger looked to break away. (Danny Care, 52′).
10 Owen Farrell (c) – 7
Borthwick’s captain opened his points scoring account after just two minutes, and contributed every one of England’s 15 points. Dominated Manie Libbok with the early kicking game, to such an extent that the Springbok’s fly half was replaced after just 30 minutes. Was irate with some refereeing decisions, and gave Ben O’Keefe an earful too many times. He was marched back for a 10m penalty for his protesting, with Jamie George and Joe Marchant dragging him away from the official. Nailed an almighty drop goal on the 52 minute mark, and was a true leader to the very end.
11 Elliot Daly – 6.5
Won key battles in the air, and also secured penalties for his work off the ball. A 25th minute hit saw Daly cut Duane Vermeulen in half, with his skills imposed in attack and defence. He struggled to gain control of a slippy ball on a few occassions, but contributed well to the kick battle by pinning the Springboks under pressure.
12 Manu Tuilagi – 6
Backed up Ben Earl in a blockbusting line-break duo, and was caught in a 14th minute scuffle with Jesse Kriel. Was penalised for giving an unnecessary shove on the Springboks centre, that sent all 30 players on the pitch into a frenzy. This counteracted Jamie George’s hard-worked turnover. Took longer than he would have liked to get a foothold in the match, but presented a relentless work rate in defence throughout the bruising contest. (Ollie Lawrence, 72′).