England started their Rugby World Cup with a 35-3 bonus-point win against Tonga in Sapporo.
Below, we run through our star men, underperformers and finally our England vs Tonga player ratings.
BEST PLAYERS:
England: Jamie George – Impeccable at the lineout and scored a try off the back of a rolling maul. Showed he’s one of, if not the best hooker in the world. Also made seven tackles. Other star performers include double try-scorer Manu Tuilagi and second-row Maro Itoje.
TRY! 2️⃣ Jamie George 🏴
— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) September 22, 2019
Lineout from England creates a maul which is driven towards the line for George to dive over.
57 mins, 26-3#ENGvTGA pic.twitter.com/xUEHImkOJS
Tonga: Zane Kapeli – Made 10 tackles, more than any of his teammates, including that incredible hit on Billy Vunipola. He was relentless for his team.
That tackle! Billy Vunipola just got car crash dummied! #RWC2019 #ENGvTGA pic.twitter.com/3pvzIQDUIG
— Mark O’Shea (@markoyaaaay) September 22, 2019
UNDERPERFORMING PLAYERS:
England: Elliot Daly – Wasn’t bad but didn’t individually impress. The fullback’s defence wasn’t questioned (he didn’t make a single tackle) but his kicking appeared pretty aimless. Also got in an awkward position when he should have had a walk-in try late on.
Tonga: Cooper Vuna – The experienced winger struggled. In defence, he missed four tackles while in attack he made just seven metres. Also, give away a silly penalty.
England vs Tonga player ratings
England: Elliot Daly – 6, Anthony Watson – 6.5, Manu Tuilagi – 8, Owen Farrell – 7, Jonny May – 7, George Ford – 7, Ben Youngs -7, Joe Marler – 6.5, Jamie George – 8.5, Kyle Sinckler – 7.5, Courtney Lawes – 7, Maro Itoje – 8, Tom Curry – 7.5, Sam Underhill – 7, Billy Vunipola – 7.5.
Tonga: David Halaifonua – 6, Atieli Pakalani – 5, Siale Piutau – 5.5, Cooper Vuna – 4, Viliami Lolohea – 5, Kurt Morath – 5, Sonatane Takulua – 6, Siegfried Fisihoi – 6, Sosefo Sakalia – 6.5, Ben Tameifuna – 7, Sam Lousi – 6, Leva Fifita – 6, Sione Kalamafoni – 6.5, Zane Kapeli – 7.5, Maama Vaipulu – 7