England player ratings vs Italy
England finished up their World Cup preparations on Friday evening, beating Italy 37-0 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
Eddie Jones’ side signed off with a fairly disjointed performance, although that was largely to be expected with the number of changes they made for the fixture. Assuming there are not late injury concerns, the 31-man squad will now prepare to fly out to Japan on Sunday.
RugbyPass runs the rule over England’s performers in an encounter that gave them their third win in their four-match warm-up schedule.
- Anthony Watson – 6.5
Straightened the line and squared up the defence well in attack, as well as supporting both Jamie George breaks. He had one spill on a high ball when he was caught deep, although his positioning and work at the back was reliable at all other times. His incision was rewarded with a try in the final minutes.
- Ruaridh McConnochie – 5.5
Opportunities were few and far between for McConnochie on his debut. He was reliable in the air, taking a tough contested catch, although he will have wished for more chances with ball in hand to showcase his ability.
https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status/1170072576783204353?s=20
- Joe Marchant – 7
Marchant flashed his post-World Cup ability with a couple of outside breaks and steps back inside against the grain. He was rewarded with a weaving solo try off the back of a sharp pass from Ben Youngs.
- Piers Francis – 5.5
Some nice catch-and-pass and catch-and-offload moments from Francis, although his opportunities were limited with Italy edging possession and territory in the first half. The centre made way for George Ford early in the second half.
- Jonny May – 8
An excellent outing from the wing, who was a constant thorn in Italy’s side with his kick chase work. He also consistently found space when there was little on offer, thanks to his footwork and acceleration.
https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status/1170066276175306752?s=20
- Owen Farrell – 7
A strong showing on the whole, with the fly-half missing just one of his eight kicks and defending his channel resolutely throughout. His gain line play was also effective, although he did kick out on the full once as well as being charged down. Masterful timing to set up Watson’s late score.
- Ben Youngs – 7
One errant kick aside, it was a much-improved performance from Youngs, after struggling against Ireland. His box-kicks were consistently on the money, either able to be competed for or finding space, and he seemed to be in synergy with May. Picked out runners well with his distribution, particularly in the second half.
- Joe Marler – 5.5
The loosehead held his own in the scrum before making way for Ellis Genge after just 32 minutes. Put himself about in defence but wasn’t able to have too much attacking influence in his short appearance.
https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status/1170063614192971776?s=20
- Jamie George – 7
He connected on all three of his lineouts and was effective as a carrier in the wide channels, showing good awareness of his support and having soft hands to offload. One handling error aside, George went well in the north-east.
- Dan Cole – 6.5
Like Marler, Cole also made way after 32 minutes. In addition to his solid foundation at the scrum, the tighthead impressed with his counter-rucking, ensuring Italy had to commit plenty of players to secure the ball, as well as forcing a knock-on.
- Joe Launchbury – 5.5
The lock wrecked one Italian maul but was unable to exert too much influence before leaving the pitch after 32 minutes. He was gingerly holding his back prior to departing and Jones will be hoping he hasn’t suffered a significant injury.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1170022567425576960?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
- Courtney Lawes – 8.5
An all-action performance from Lawes, who was the standout man in England’s pack. He was an eager carrier, regularly led the line in defence and was able to slow Italian ball at the breakdown. He was influential at the set-piece, too, taking four lineouts, creating a turnover at the maul, snagged three direct lineout steals and disrupted another.
- Tom Curry – 6
The blindside impressed with the physicality of tackling, repeatedly denying Italian carriers any sort of success on the gain line. He wasn’t quite able to have the influence on the attacking side of the ball that he had had in recent fixtures.
- Mark Wilson – 7
An extremely industrious performance from Wilson on his home turf. The flanker was physical on the gain line as both a tackler and a carrier and was seemingly ever-present in the defensive line. Also got through plenty of work clearing at the contact area.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1169889932254384129
- Billy Vunipola – 6
A solid outing from Vunipola who grew into the game and was comfortable offloading and keeping phases alive. Italy did a decent job of denying him the physical superiority he usually enjoys.
Replacements
- Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
The hooker unfortunately departed the game with less than 10 minutes to go, walking gingerly as he did. He was perfect at the lineout in his three throws before he exited.
- Ellis Genge – 6
He did cough up a couple of penalties at the scrum, but he his overall impact from the bench was a positive one. His carrying and work at the breakdown were particularly noticeable.
https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status/1170070995136368640?s=20
- Kyle Sinckler – 7.5
An impressive shift from Sinckler, who not only had the edge on his opposite number at the scrum, but also offered power and intelligence as a ball-carrier. Snaffled a turnover on a charged down kick and helped turn set-piece parity into an advantage for England.
- Charlie Ewels – 6
Ewels brought a largely positive impact at the set-piece, grabbing a line steal and proving a reliable target for Cowan-Dickie. He did cough up a penalty for coming in at the side of the maul, though.
- Matt Kvesic – 5.5
Kvesic made some strong tackles after coming on, but couldn’t quite bring the same attacking impact as some of his teammates.
- Willi Heinz – 5.5
Carried on from where Youngs’ left off, although England had comfortably secured the win at that point and had begun to take their foot off the gas.
- George Ford – 6
Looked sharp after arriving and the tandem of he and Farrell certainly looked more fluid than the one consisting of Farrell and Francis in the first half. Admittedly, the latter pairing did not have the front foot ball that Ford was given by the replacements in the tight five.
- Joe Cokanasiga – 6
Continued his trend of late to look for work close to the ruck, whether as a first receiver or on the pick and go. Italian struggled to deal with his power carrying.
WATCH: The RugbyPass stadium guide to Sapporo where England will begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga
Comments on RugbyPass
Wrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
1 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
17 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
17 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
2 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
17 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
17 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
17 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
17 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
14 Go to commentsSmart guy. I wish he was running the RFU or something!
2 Go to commentsWhy Barrett, when Leinster already have at least 4 top centres.?
15 Go to commentsGood write up, Brett. Rebels are an interesting one for sure. 88 points scored in the last two games, but against two teams that are unlikely to be in the top 4 at seasons end. However the other side of the coin, against the Hurricanes, the team to beat atm, they conceded 54 points, and add in another 53 points to the then high flying Reds, and things don’t look so good. The acid tests will be against the Blues and the Chiefs. I do hope they do contest the finals this year, if only to confound those working on their demise. Les Kiss has made a big difference to the Qld. Reds, and they could so easily have now been sitting unbeaten at the top of the table. But they have now lost some games in a most disappointing fashion, and now step up against the Highlanders this weekend seriously depleted, four absolute key players down, two to suspension, two injured. Of the other Australian sides, the Brumbies look unlikely to fold to anyone any time soon, while the Waratahs and Force both disappoint. But still and all, winning games against the NZ sides is very welcome, and one would hope for more to come. Who will come out on top ? A North Island side for sure should contest the final, but I would hope an Australian side might just get there this year. Brumbies most likely, Qld. Reds could be formidable with a full team back on the field.
12 Go to commentsThe stat that illustrates some progress compared to recent years is that Aussie sides have won 5 of 12 games against Kiwi sides. The Tahs have lost 2 tight games against Kiwi sides, while the Reds and Tahs have contrasting experiences in games against Kiwi sides decided by that farcical thing called golden point.
12 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes pack has stepped up in a huge way this year. Their improvement at scrum time has been a big contributor to their success. Aumua looks like he is playing with a lot of confidence and put in a really good display at both set piece and in general play on Saturday. Him and Numia are putting in a good case for higher honours, A dominate combination with Lomax will help their case. And their loose forward depth is class. Iose has benefited from regular game time and Lakai has shown his versatility and promise. Thanks Nick. Hope all is well.
14 Go to commentsSamoa have enough former internationals who want to flick a switch for a country most have probably hardly set foot in. If you’re that passionate about Samoa, go live and play rugby there to qualify instead of just waltzing into the side and kicking a player actually from Samoa out of the squad. All these ex internationals hasn’t really made them that much more competitive because most look like they're going through the motions.
2 Go to commentsKini Naholo at 14 brings to memory Waisake.
1 Go to comments