After a tough loss to South Africa, England A delivered an electric performance to lift the spirits of Twickenham fans with a dominant 38-17 victory over Australia A.
In a highly anticipated exhibition Test at the Stoop, the future stars of the England senior squad put on a show, with Cadan Murley and Henry Pollock playing pivotal roles in the win.
The match, held at the home of Harlequins, was a clear demonstration of the talent emerging within England’s rugby ranks.
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#1. Henry Pollock
Henry Pollock penalised in the 16th minute for a foolish offence, as he needlessly stripped the scrum cap off an Australian player’s head, and gave away possession in a dangerous position.
However, the Saints man made up for it with an impressive involvement on the front foot, and some clattering hits around the Aussie ankles.
Pollock was often entrusted to gain the hard yards near England’s own try-line, before the ball was cleared. Pollock carried well along the touch-lines, and was pivotal in the build-up to Curtis Langdon’s try. Awarded the Player of the Match for his efforts.
#2. Gabriel Ibitoye
A stand-out man for England A, the Bristol Bears flyer continues upon his impressive form, that won him the October Premiership Rugby Player of the Month award.
A fifth minute burst of pace set the tone for England’s opening try, and Ibitoye followed this up with exciting carries along the touchlines.
Ibitoye put in a strong hit on an Australian high ball recipient, who looked sore after the seventh minute collision. Exploded down-field to scatter the defence, in the run-up to Langdon’s try.
#3. Cadan Murley
The Harlequins hot-stepper’s best involvement in the first half, saw him collect a high ball and skip past a handful of Aussie defenders for an impressive solo run on the half hour mark.
Murley capped off England’s hot start after the break, with a well finished try in the corner. Marley wrapped up his afternoon with a second try, in what was a walk-in thanks to Shillcock’s excellent miss pass.
Editors picks:
- Sir Clive Woodward slams England players behaviour after fifth straight loss
- Springboks Employ Controversial Tactic England Faced Criticism For Using
- RFU have already made Final Call on Sacking England Boss Steve Borthwick
- Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses
- Fans turn on captain George after interview following latest defeat
Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
Here’s how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:
#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?
Average Rating: 4.75/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams’ and Cheslin Kolbe’s tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.” - Express (4/10):
“At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.” - Rugby Pass (5/10):
“Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”
Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place.
#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.” - Express (4/10):
“Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”
Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge’s leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.
#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same
Average Rating: 5/10
- Telegraph (5/10):
“Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.” - Express (5/10):
“Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”
Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.
#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Telegraph (4/10):
“Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.” - Express (5/10):
“England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”
Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.
#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.” - Express (3/10):
“First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”
Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should’ve been given more game time from the start.
