England player ratings vs South Africa | Autumn Nations Series
England player ratings live from Twickenham: A deja vu scenario, but with quite a damaging outcome for England on this occasion. Seven days earlier, they were 6-25 down to the All Blacks with eight minutes remaining when they launched a game-levelling three-try comeback with the opposition a yellow card man down.
Here, the deficit was 6-27 with 20 minutes remaining when Springboks sub Thomas du Toit was rightly red-carded for his shoulder horribly meeting the head of fellow replacement Luke Cowan-Dickie, but there was no miraculous revival. Marcus Smith was soon to exit injured and bar a Henry Slade converted try, that was the height of this weekend’s England riposte in a brutal 13-27 loss.
For the deeply wounded England, it will be marked down as a disaster. They badly needed a win so that they could sign off on this November series – and on the entire 2022 calendar year – in the black. They had come into the fixture with only a 50 per cent success rate: eleven games played, five won, five lost and one drawn. Not the type of dominance designed to have people believing they will be world champions in eleven months’ time.
A curiosity was how the more things supposedly change for England under Eddie Jones, the more things actually stay the same as this latest rejigged XV contained five Saracens players, three of whom were out of favour this time last year but have since fought their way back in. It meant that the home side started with nine of the exact same team that had run out to begin the loss to the Springboks three years ago in the World Cup final.
Not that there was a wholesale South African evolution in the 36 months since Yokohama. They had eight of the very same world final starters on deck again here and once their fans had managed to negotiate the train congestion, the braai queues, and the latest tweets from the banned Rassie Erasmus, it was low-frills actions stations.
The first half-hour became the story of intense scrums, multiple penalty kicks despite the blustery wind, a whole heap of momentum-stopping collisions and far too many unnecessary water breaks. It left the scoreboard stuck at three-all, Owen Farrell one from three and Faf de Klerk one from two, before a Damien Willemse drop goal became the cue for South Africa to clinically counterattack.
There was England angst that Freddie Steward was perhaps obstructed Kurt-Lee Arendse as he chased down the ball-catching Willemse on the SA 22-metre line and there were also howls that a pass from le Roux was potentially forward, but the groans were immaterial as the 33rd-minute Arendse try stood and de Klerk tacked on a penalty on the blow of the half for a handsome 14-3 advantage.
For England, it was a ‘marginal improvement’ on last weekend, as they trailed the All Blacks 3-17 at the break and although Jones reacted by making four half-time changes, whipping off the front row and a winger, it soon all went to pot, Farrell’s penalty sandwiched by a second Willemse drop goal and a converted Eben Etzebeth try with Tom Curry on a yellow card.
A long-range de Klerk penalty followed for 6-27 before England were offered a 20-minute lifeline with du Toit sent packing. It wasn’t grasped though, 14 points the eventual margin of defeat due to Farrell and co being far too frantic in trying to exploit their man advantage and the final whistle was greeted with deserved boos from the home support for a withering, deflating performance. Here are the physically beaten-up England player ratings:
15. Freddie Steward – 5.5
Endured an uncharacteristic first half that featured a rare knock on under dropping ball and also a clearance kick out on the full. Had grounds for complaint after how the opening South African try ignited. Was better in the second half but remain way below his usual high standard
14. Tommy Freeman – 4.5
A surprise inclusion for his third-ever Test start despite last weekend’s general lack of involvement by Jack Nowell, he too struggle for action, a 27th-minute knock on about the height of his very limited first half. Hooked at the break for Nowell.
13. Manu Tuilagi – 5
A picture of rude health this November in contrast to his frustrating pattern of injury, his 50th England cap wasn’t the memorable one he would have hoped for as he wasn’t much noticed. Needed a penalty-winning carry near his own line with time almost up to remind people he was still out there.
12. Owen Farrell – 6.5
Having given up the kicking duties last weekend with an ankle injury, he was back on the job here and it went terribly wrong in the opening period with two misses from three attempts. Also sent a one-handed tip-on to Tuilagi forward. Tried to lead the charge against 14 with Smith off injured, his break leading to the Slade try, but there was far too much to be done.
? Twickenham putting on a show ?#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/7s3nXORdoI
— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) November 26, 2022
11. Jonny May – 4
Needed a much-improved performance and he didn’t get it as he was again a largely anonymous figure part from tidying up one chase to the dead ball line with Eben Etzebeth.
10. Marcus Smith – 5.5
Gave a Harlequins-esque flourish to transform last week’s 6-25 deficit into a draw and needed to do the same here with England two points worse off but he was gone injured on 61 minutes, unable to shake off the ankle role sustained earlier when tackled by Siya Kolisi. Sent up regular aerial bombs in the first half, but only one catching error resulted. Show loved skill scampering back to tidy on 28 minutes after a Makazole Mapimpi kick ahead, but he was stepped neatly by Arendse for the game-breaking try.
9. Jack van Poortvliet – 6
Selection here meant he started more games than Ben Youngs this November but he had it rough behind a pack constantly under the cosh. Gone on 67 minutes.
1. Mako Vunipola – 5
Was brilliantly defiant when used as a sub against the All Blacks, but he couldn’t supply the same energy here as a starter. Mixed effort at the scrum, a concession resulting in a de Klerk miss before a penalty back was missed by Farrell. Featured little elsewhere and was off at the break.
2. Jamie George – 5.5
Another upgraded from the bench to start on the basis of what he did last weekend, another who didn’t have the same joy shouldering that responsibility. There was one show of good leadership, asking the referee to clarify what was going on at the scrum against his team, but was otherwise of little influence.
??????? England keep on battling.@Sladey_10 with a smart finish ?#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/CKmc23hoVQ
— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) November 26, 2022
3. Kyle Sinckler – 5.5
Trouble started when he didn’t take the hit at the first scrum and had it tough all the way through after that until swapped for Will Stuart at the break. Back for the last four minutes after his replacement was injured.
4. Maro Itoje – 7
Started with a whirlwind, an early rip, penalty-winning pressure at a restart and a wicked one-handed pass out the back showing he was up for this. Got more than he bargained for early in the second half when he nuisance leg-hold on Etzebeth – while Willemse dropped a goal – sparked an all-in. Won a turnover penalty that gave England hope after the red card but there were generally too many South African forwards watching over him.
5. Jonny Hill – 6.5
Underlined his importance to the current England set-up in being one of seven players to start all games, he began promisingly before getting overwhelmed despite his best efforts.
6. Alex Coles – 5.5
A big call stitching the Test rookie back into the mix after an all-sorts month when there was a start at lock, a run off the bench and then match day exclusion last weekend. His adventure here was curtailed after only 46 minutes, his penalty trouble the main talking point with an obvious neck roll on Evan Roos and then collapsing a maul with South Africa just metres out. His tackle count was high, mind.
7. Tom Curry – 7
The best of the English back rows, he was left with too much to do. Gave up the penalty that allowed de Klerk made it 3-14 and was then yellow carded after the break, his absence getting followed by a ten-point South African burst. Finished as his team’s tackler yet again, despite his ten-minute absence.
8. Billy Vunipola – 6
Accidently crashing into the referee off the back of an early scrum and alter giving Roos a shove with the ball in touch were some of his less notable contributions on a difficult evening when the traffic was ruck-hour like whenever he carried for hos 50-or-so metres. Off on 56 minutes for Sam Simmonds.
?? He just cannot stop scoring!
Kurt-Lee Arendse is a superstar ?
What a try from the @Springboks ?#AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/T75NhKJJoB
— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) November 26, 2022
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 5.5
Having looked lethargic this month as a starter, it was no surprise to see him benched for this. Arrived after half-time and his big moment was being on the receiving end of the rec-carded du Toit charge. The question must be asked why didn’t he need to go for a HIA?
17. Ellis Genge – 6
Should have been furious he was axed from the XV as he has been one of the most improved players this past twelve months. Struggled to change the flow of the scrum but carried hard.
18. Will Stuart – 5.5
Last week’s two-try hero, there was no fairy tale on this occasion as he excited in pain with a worrying injury.
19. David Ribbans – 5.5
Sent on for Coles just six minutes after the break to play against his native country. Beaten at the jump on 61 after England had kicked the red card penalty to touch.
20. Sam Simmonds – 5
It’s said he struggles with the power game and it showed here when he was unable to free up Malcolm Marx over the ball.
21. Ben Youngs – 5
Credited with bringing a game-changing tempo to the closing exchanges versus the Kiwis, but couldn’t do likewise here.
22. Henry Slade – 7
Usually a regular starter, he has used this month’s repositioning as a bench player and he played excellently. Scored the lone England try on 72 minutes. Really needs to be considered as a starter.
23. Jack Nowell – 6.5
Paid the selection price for last weekend’s All Blacks encounter passing him, he played the full second half. Done for a holding-on penalty but he was encouraging in the carry. His team’s second-best sub after clubmate Slade.
Comments on RugbyPass
He seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
3 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
15 Go to commentsJake White is a brilliant coach and a master in the press. This is another masterclass in media relations and PR but its also a very narrow view with arguments that dont always hold water. White wants his team to win, he wants the best players in SA and wants his team competitive. You however have to face up to the reality of a poor exchange rate and big clubs with big budgets. SA Rugby cant compete and unless it can find more money SA players will keep leaving regardless of Springbok eligibility and this happened in 2015 - 2017. Also rugby is not cricket. Cricket has 3 formats and T20 cricket is where the money is at. When it comes to club vs country the IPL is king but that wont happen because the international calendar does not clash with the club calendar in rugby. So the argument about rugby going down the same path as cricket is really a non-starter
15 Go to commentsNZ rugby seem not to have learnt anything from professional rugby. Super rugby was dying and SA left before they died with the competition. SA rugby did a u turn on their approach to international players playing overseas and such players are now selected for Bok teams. As much as each country would love to retain their players playing in local competitions, this is the way the world is evolving my friends. Move with it or stay 20 years behind the times. One more thing. NZ rugby hierarchy think they are the big cheese. Take a more humble approach guys. You do not seem to have your players best interests at heart.
3 Go to commentsBeaches? In Cardiff? Where?
1 Go to commentsHe is right , the Crusaders will be a threat. Scott Barrett, ( particularly), Fergus Burke , Codie Taylor, ( from sabbatical) etc due back soon for the Crusaders. There are others like Zach Gallagher too. People can right the Crusaders off, Top 8 , here we come !!
1 Go to commentsWe will always struggle for money to match the other sides but the least the WRU can do is invest properly in Welsh rugby. Too much has been squandered on vanity projects like the hotel and roof walk amongst others which will never see a massive return. Hanging the 4 pro sides out to dry over the last decade is now coming back to bite the WRU financially as well as on the pitch. You reap what you sow.
1 Go to commentsWhat do you get if you cross a doctor with a fish? A plastic sturgeon
14 Go to commentsWhat happened to feleti Kaitu’u? Hasnt played in a while right?
1 Go to commentsGregor I just can’t agree with you. You are trying to find something that just isn’t there. Jordie Barrett has signed until 2028. By the end of that he would have spent probably 11-12 years on Super Rugby and you say he can’t possibly have one season playing somewhere else. It is absurd. What about this scenario, the NZR play hard ball and he decides to leave and play overseas. How would that affect the competition. There seems to be an agenda by certain journalists to push certain agendas and don’t like it when it’s not to their liking. I fully support the NZR on this. Gregor needs to get a life.
3 Go to commentsHope he stays as believe he can do a great job.
1 Go to commentsMake what step up? Manie has a World Cup winner’s medal around his neck and changed the way the Springboks can play. He doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone. The win record of the Boks with him in the team is tremendous. Sacha can be wonderful and I hope he has a very succesful Bok career, but comparing him to Manie in terms of the next Bok flyhalf is very strange. Manie is the incumbent (not the next) and doing pretty incredibly.
3 Go to comments00 😍 U
1 Go to commentsSabbaticals have helped keep NZ’s very best talent in the country on long term deals - this fact has been left out of this article. Much like the articles calling to allow overseas players to be selected, yet can only name one player currently not signed to NZR who would be selected for the ABs. And in the entire history of NZ players leaving to play overseas, literally only 4 or 5 have left in their prime as current ABs. (Piatau, Evans, Hayman, Mo’unga,?) Yes Carter got an injury while playing in France 16 years ago, but he also got a tournament ending injury at the 2011 World Cup while taking mid-week practice kicks at goal. Maybe Jordie gets a season-ending injury while playing in Ireland, maybe he gets one next week against the Brumbies. NZR have many shortcomings, but keeping the very best players in the country and/or available for ABs selection is not one of them. Likewise for workload management - players missing 2 games out of 14 is hardly a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Again let’s use some facts - did it stop the Crusaders winning SR so many times consecutively when during any given week they would be missing 2 of their best players? The whole idea of the sabbatical is to reward your best players who are willing to sign very long term deals with some time to do whatever they want. They are not handed out willy-nilly, and at nowhere near the levels that would somehow devalue Super Rugby. In this particular example JB is locked in with NZR for what will probably (hopefully) be the best years of his career, hard to imagine him not sticking around for a couple more after for a Lions tour and one more world cup. He has the potential to become the most capped AB of all time. A much better outcome than him leaving NZ for a minimum of 3 years at the age of 27, unlikely to ever play for the ABs again, which would be the likely alternative.
3 Go to commentsJake White talks more sense than anything I've read in the last 5 years. Hope someone's listening.
15 Go to commentsThe Springboks tried going down the road of only picking home-based players and it was an unmitigated disaster in 2016 and 2017. Picking overseas-based players has been one of the main reason the Boks have done so well since 2018, not only because of the quality Rassie could call on, but because of the knowledge and experience those players brought into camp from England, France and Japan. With some of the big names playing abroad it also gave younger players in SA the chance to break through at franchise level. Would we have seen the emergence of a Ruan Nortje if RG and Lood were still at the Bulls? Not so sure. I understand why Jake would want to block players leaving since his job depends on good results but it’s an approach that would take Bok rugby back to the bad old days and no South African wants to see that.
15 Go to commentsExeter were thumped by 38 points. And they only had to hop on a train.
39 Go to commentsI am De Groot.
1 Go to commentsHad hoped you might write an article on this game, Nick. It’s a good one. Things have not gone as smoothly for ROG since beating Leinster last year at the Aviva in the CC final. LAR had the Top 14 Final won till Raymond Rhule missed a simple tackle on the excellent Ntamack, and Toulouse reaped the rewards of just staying in the fight till the death. Then the disruption of the RWC this season. LAR have not handled that well, but they were not alone, and we saw Pau heading the Top 14 table at one stage early season. I would think one of the reasons for the poor showing would have to be that the younger players coming through, and the more mature amongst the group outside the top 25/30, are not as strong as would be hoped for. I note that Romain Sazy retired at the end of last season. He had been with LAR since 2010, and was thus one of their foundation players when they were promoted to Top 14. Records show he ended up with 336 games played with LAR. That is some experience, some rock in the team. He has been replaced for the most part by Ultan Dillane. At 30, Dillane is not young, but given the chances, he may be a fair enough replacement for Sazy. But that won’be for more than a few years. I honestly know little of the pathways into the LAR setup from within France. I did read somewhere a couple of years ago that on the way up to Top 14, the club very successfully picked up players from the academies of other French teams who were not offered places by those teams. These guys were often great signings…can’t find the article right now, so can’t name any….but the Tadgh Beirne type players. So all in all, it will be interesting to see where the replacements for all the older players come from. Only Lleyd’s and Rhule from SA currently, both backs. So maybe a few SA forwards ?? By contrast, Leinster have a pretty clear line of good players coming through in the majority of positions. Props maybe a weak spot ? And they are very fleet footed and shrewd in appointing very good coaches. Or maybe it is also true that very good coaches do very well in the Leinster setup. So, Nick, I would fully concurr that “On the evidence of Saturday’s semi-final between the two clubs, the rebuild in the Bay of Biscay is going to take longer than it is on the east coast of Ireland”
11 Go to commentsWhat was the excuse for the other knockout blowouts then? Does the result not prove the Saints were just so much better? Wise call to put your eggs in one basket when you’ve got 2 comps simultaneously finishing.
39 Go to comments