13 Joe Marchant – 6
Solid early hits, as along with Tuilagi, Marchant was called into defensive action more often than getting his hands on the ball. Gave away a 16th minute penalty for being off his feet in the breakdown, and was unable to stop Farrell from sharing his opinion with the referee. Covered the loose ball well, but was amongst the bodies that could not halt the charging run of RG Snyman to the try-line.
14 Jonny May – 7
One of England’s best defenders, as he did his job of keeping Cheslin Kolbe quiet. May ran hard whenever he lined-up a tackle, anf flew out his line with Courtney Lawes-like tackles. Good under the high ball, and evaded tackles when he made darting breaks. Reminded England fans as to why he is his countries’ top try scorer that is still playing today. Made a great hit on Kolbe on the 64th minute, and was quick over the ruck to win a penalty at the turnover. Went on his own one too many times, with Steward at times ignored along the back three. (George Ford, 78′).
15 Freddie Steward – 7.5
One of England’s best players in the losing semi-final. One of his best ever performances under the high ball, with his task made all the lot harder in the wind and the rain. Ticked all the boxes that Borthwick was after in his re-calling to the squad.
Selected over Smith after the Harlequin had a brutal battering against Fiji. Great composure under the Boks’ kicks, as he recycled the ball despite being double tackled at 12 minutes. Swept well on the lower kicks to the back-field, with Kolbe and Arundse kept quiet enough in the first half. Great kick and chase on 21 minutes, to then tackle Willemse, with Lawes diving on the loose ball. Made collecting the tough kicks look easy, in the biggest game of his career.
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan – N/a (unused).
17 Ellis Genge – 6
A key element of the ‘Borth Squad’, Genge had an instant impact off the bench with rampaging carries against the Springboks. Made the charging carry that set the platform for Owen Farrell’s drop goal, and had an early lead on Vincent Koch at scrum-time. However, Genge is unfortunately accredited with giving away the scrum penalty, that allowed Handre Pollard to slot that late match winner from distance. It could have been anyone, yet his knee hit the deck, and the referee believed it warranted a shot at the sticks.
18 Kyle Sinckler – 5
Not his best contribution off the bench, as the tight-head lost his scrum battle against Ox Nche. Gave away two scrum-time penalties in quick succession, with the Bristol Bears man penalised at 60 and 62 minutes. After a three minute run out against the Springboks in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, Sinckler will be disappointed at this chance of redemption.
19 Ollie Chessum – 6
Left on the bench in a rare substitute appearence, Borthwick preferred the added bulk of George Martin in the locks to start against the Boks. Chessum had a quieter run out than he would have liked, after such starring roles for England throughout an excellent tournament. Chessum presented a solid option in the air, as the ‘Boks recognised the threats of Itoje and Lawes.
20 Billy Vunipola – 4.5
One to forget for Billy Vunipola, as he was slow to react to RG Snyman’s break. The blame was pinned on the Saracen for the Springbok’s try, with Vunipola taking a moment to adapt to the battle, after just coming into the fray off the bench. Given two run-outs against South Africa, which can hinder a player’s mentality. Vunipola had a brief run for Curry’s blood replacement, before an underwhelming run-out in the final 10 minutes. Presented an attacking option around the park, but it was too late for the number eight to impose himself onto the game.
21 Danny Care – 6.5
Had an instant impact off the bench, as he tried to lift the tempo with a quick carry up the centre. Supplied the ammunition to Owen Farrell’s drop goal, and took over the box kicking duties well from Mitchell. Made a great hit on the much larger Bongi Mbonambi, as he sent the hooker into touch at 61 minutes. Was driven into touch by a trio of Springboks at 70 minutes.
22 George Ford – 5
Brought on for some last-minute drop goal heroics, yet the opportunity never arose for the Sale Sharks man. Watched on for the majority of the match, with his late involvement not reaping the rewards of his starring role against Argentina. Los Pumas await in the Bronze Medal match, which could well feature Ford for the duration.
23 Ollie Lawrence – 5
On for Manu Tuilagi for the last eight minutes of the game, the centre had little involvement in the remainder of the match in attack. However, the Bath man made a dent on the Springboks defensively, with some key tackles to stop the flow of attack. One of Borthwick’s key replacement’s throughout the World Cup, Lawrence could hope for one last run out in the Bronze Medal match before heading back to the Premiership.
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