"Not at the level" - Four England players who flopped against Wallabies

Despite England’s 25–7 win over Australia, not everyone impressed.

Tries from the warp-speed back-row duo Ben Earl and Henry Pollock helped England grind past the Wallabies, with a powerful bench turning the tide in an otherwise scrappy autumn opener at Twickenham.

It was a performance built on effort rather than fluency — more perspiration than inspiration — and while the result offered revenge for last year’s 10-try thriller, several players failed to hit the required international standard.

A solid, dependable presence in midfield, Dingwall’s defensive work was strong, but one costly loose pass led directly to an Australian try. Despite his reliability, England may benefit from Ollie Lawrence’s direct running and attacking threat, giving the team more momentum and line-breaking potential.

RUCK 6.5/10:
"The “glue” of the Saints midfield partnership, Dingwall helped clubmate Freeman settle into his new role. Unfortunately threw the loose pass that led to Harry Potter’s intercept try. Took a few heavy hits, including a big collision with Tane Edmed. Not his flashiest Twickenham outing, but a solid and grounded effort aside from one costly mistake."

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Will be really disappointed with the interception, but was pleasing to see him always make the positive choice ball-in-hand."

Mail Online 4.5/10: "His pass was intercepted by Harry Potter who raced away to score for Australia at a time when the Wallabies were offering nothing as an attacking force. The pass wasn't on."

Telegraph 5/10:
"The glue player came unstuck with his horrible intercept which allowed Australia back in the game. A shame because otherwise he barely put a foot wrong."

Rugby Pass 6/10:
"Fine margins in Test rugby, and what could have been an assist to Steward from Dingwall resulted in a length-of-the-field interception from Harry Potter. So much to like about Dingwall’s defensive work – pressurising the Australian attackers at times, and drifting to protect the wider channels. Would frequently plug any gaps in the defensive line as well. Going forward, he gets his hands on the ball a lot, but didn’t challenge the Wallabies enough."

The player struggled early with handling errors and a careless tackle but improved as the game went on. While some flashes of quality were noted, uncharacteristic mistakes under the high ball and in open play marred an otherwise determined second-half recovery.

Mail Online 5/10: "Spilled first high ball and couldn't dominate in that area as he would have liked. Rightly penalised for a silly tackle on Harry Potter when he wasn't in possession. Left field late on."

Planet Rugby 5/10: " By no means awful, but not his finest outing in an England shirt either. Had a few really lovely flashes around the game, but that was then marred by a few uncharacteristic errors both in the loose and under the high ball too. This will annoy him given his good form for Leicester so far this season."

RUCK 6/10: "Brought into the squad following a stellar summer in Argentina, yet had a slow start with a couple of aerial knock-ons early on. This lit a fire underneath the Tigers man, who grew eager to carry into contact. A stand-out carry came at 42 minutes, as Steward broke through a pair of gold jerseys. He came into his own in the second half, thriving under the high ball and returning kicks with conviction."

England’s experienced playmaker delivered tidy passing and tactical kicking but struggled to influence the game when it mattered most. Missed conversions and a growing anonymity after Australia’s intercept try highlighted his limitations. Marcus Smith’s creativity and unpredictability offer a spark that England need in high-pressure moments.

Rugby Pass 6/10:
"Given the playmaking responsibilities today and he repaid Borthwick’s faith early on. Dictated play with his boot, be it with bombs, cross-kicks or identifying space in the first half. Following Australia’s intercepted try, England lost control of the game, and Ford grew increasingly anonymous. 50 per cent from the tee is not ideal either."

"There was always going to be a spotlight on his performance, given the hype around the number 10 jersey right now, but he did a good job. Kicked very well around the park, using the likes of Roebuck to get England in-behind the Wallabies defence, and helped his side play in the right areas. Will be slightly miffed at his goal-kicking, given he’s usually metronomic off the tee."

Telegraph 6/10:
"Some of his passing was delicious but didn’t truly grab the game by the scruff of the neck and missed two conversions. The fly-half debate will continue to rage."

A defensive workhorse whose energy and grit are unquestionable, Underhill’s eagerness cost England at a key moment, allowing Rob Valetini through a gap. While he redeemed himself with a crucial turnover, the emergence of Henry Pollock – who combines pace, power, and scoring threat – makes Underhill the natural candidate to make way.

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Didn’t put a foot wrong in a gritty effort. Just rolled up his sleeves and went looking for work."

Mail Online 6.5/10: "Won England the penalty from which Ford gave them the lead with trademark breakdown work and nice link play to Ben Earl who scored. Bloodied from battle."

Rugby Pass 7/10:
"On Roebuck’s shoulder to put Earl in for the opening try of the match. Defensively resolute as ever, but his eagerness did result in letting Rob Valetini coast through a gap at one stage. He made amends a few phases later with a penalty won in his own 22, clasping onto the ball despite an Australian’s attempt to clear him out."

Telegraph 6/10: "Left bloodied but exacted his revenge with some crunching hits. However, the balance of the back row never felt quite right."

Rugby Pass 8.5/10:
"Who else to score England’s second try? Pollock loves the big stage, and he came up with the goods when England were in a bit of a rut in the second half. Produced some strong carries in his second England appearance, showing he is a handy option at No.8, and even added a penalty over the ball in Australia’s 22. Made a strong case to start, although he was yellow-carded at the death."

Guardian:
"Pollock, still only 20, looks destined to score plenty more tries on this famous old stretch of grass and clearly relishes the big occasion."

RUCK:
"Back in England colours with bright blonde hair and big impact. Scored his third Test try after recovering from a tap tackle and dotting down with style. Energetic and effective in defence too."

The England team were dubbed ‘Dad’s Army’ by the rest of the world (mainly Australians) but everyone secretly knew England coach Clive Woodward had the best side around.

This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.

Some of these are significantly easier than others.