“Miles off it” – England’s five worst players this Autumn brutally ranked

Below, we break down Rugby Pass’ five lowest-rated England players from this Autumn campaign, adding our own RUCK assessment—which at times aligns with their evaluations and at other times diverges.

Rugby Pass wrote: "Only one appearance in a start against the Pumas, Slade can at least rest assured that he made a good account of himself in a try-scoring display, albeit with one defensive lapse. Clearly still in the reckoning, but did the 74-cap veteran do enough to move himself ahead of the injured contingent in the pecking order? Probably not."

RUCK verdict: Limited minutes and limited impact, though he did score a close-range try against Argentina.

Rugby Pass wrote: "Returned from exile with an eye-catching 15 minutes from the bench against Fiji. It was pure speed as he chased down a Marcus Smith kick for a try and looked threatening. He can’t be graded too highly, however, as it was such a small sample size."

RUCK verdict: Scored his first try since returning from France and showed his trademark pace. Still building trust for the biggest matches.

Rugby Pass wrote: "Crucial to England’s kick-chase gameplan in starts against Australia, the All Blacks and Argentina, although his match was cut short after 20 minutes against New Zealand.

"On the other hand, across the series, he did not look as secure under the high ball in the back field as he once was. His passing game is improving, but he just doesn’t pose the threat Marcus Smith or George Furbank do."

RUCK verdict: Answered his critics. Remained immense in the air while showing real improvements in his all-round game. Proved he is the right fullback.

Rugby Pass wrote: "Eight minutes against Australia and a start against Fiji were all that were handed to Fin Smith this autumn. Maybe it was a case of Borthwick managing the minutes of a Lion, but, in truth, it looks as though the Northampton Saint has lost his starting berth to Ford for now. He didn’t do enough in his performance against Fiji to demand the No.10 shirt either."

RUCK verdict: Dropped down the pecking order due to Ford’s form. A hugely exciting talent but endured a frustrating autumn.

Rugby Pass wrote: "Borthwick knows Daly’s class, and the England fandom should too, so the head coach won’t be too perturbed by his rusty display against the Pumas in what was his comeback match after breaking his arm while on Lions duty."

RUCK verdict: "Struggled to impose himself in his first game back from Lions-tour injury."