England player ratings vs Wales - 2021 Six Nations
In what was a game that will be remembered as much for the refereeing decisions as it will for the rugby that was played, England succumbed to their second defeat of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations, as they fell to a 40-24 loss to Wales in Cardiff.
Grand Slam next?! #sixnations2021 #WALvsENG pic.twitter.com/eO22GS7GvJ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 27, 2021
Despite the disparity on the scoreboard, there were plenty of encouraging displays from the English players, although the old theme of indiscipline costing them in crunch games came back to haunt them. In attack, England really flashed signs of life after some struggles of late.
Nevertheless, significant errors in key moments cost England and that is reflected in the players ratings below.
1. Mako Vunipola – 6
The loosehead hit the ground running with a couple of strong carries and held his own at the scrum. He erred on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle away from the set-piece, though.
2. Jamie George – 5
One of George’s quieter performances in an England jersey and although only one of his lineouts was lost, the English set-piece did not seem as fluid and clinical as it has shown itself to be in recent years.
3. Kyle Sinckler – 7
In addition to anchoring the English scrum, Sinckler impressed in defence with his line speed and the physicality of his tackling, even in space against more agile ball-carriers. He was also on hand to snaffle loose balls on the floor and his excellent ball placement set up Anthony Watson’s first half try.
4. Maro Itoje – 5
It’s a game of fine margins and Itoje was inches away from a number of very impressive defensive plays, although he got on the wrong side of the referee early and earned himself four first half penalties. HIs contributions outside of that were effective, though it’s hard not to say the infringements blotted his copybook.
5. Jonny Hill – 5
Hill started the game strongly with his work at the lineout and exerting his physicality in defence, though his second half penalty cost England a try.
6. Mark Wilson – 6
Wilson ticked the boxes in defence and at the breakdown in attack, helping give England’s quick and secure ball.
7. Tom Curry – 7
A typically hard-working defensive performance from Curry, who was regularly part of the two-man tackles which denied Wales front-foot ball in the middle of the pitch. That said, even Curry wasn’t immune from England’s discipline issues.
8. Billy Vunipola – 8
After labelling his own performances as “rubbish” in recent weeks, Vunipola turned in a much better game with ball in hand in Cardiff. His carrying was strong and he was regularly coming on to the ball at speed, consistently giving England front-foot ball and/or drawing in multiple Welsh defenders to stop him.
9. Ben Youngs – 6
There were a couple of moments when Youngs’ passes did not quite their mark but the scrum-half was on the money for the vast majority and showed in the second half that he still has the ability as a threat around the fringes to keep defences honest and on their toes.
10. George Ford – 6
Ford’s silky handling and measured passing was a key contribution to one of England’s more impressive attacking phase play performances in the last year. He dove-tailed nicely with Owen Farrell and the combination prospered when they were delivered quick ball by the English pack.
11. Jonny May – 6
As ever, May chased kicks effectively and energetically, although opportunities for him to get his hands on the ball in space were few and far between. He dealt well with the contested aerial bombs, too.
12. Owen Farrell – 7
Although focus will fall on Farrell’s responses to the refereeing decisions in the first half, his performance around that was very impressive. As mentioned earlier, he combined well with Ford and he offered an effective carrying option outside of the playmaker. He was also clinical in defence and added 14 points to England’s total.
13. Henry Slade – 6
A solid outing from Slade who didn’t do anything wrong in the moments he was involved in the game, both offensively and defensively. That said, it still feels like at times that England don’t know how to get the best out of Slade’s skill set.
14. Anthony Watson – 7
Watson continued his impressive Six Nations on Saturday. He looked for work off of his wing, showcased his acceleration, footwork and power in attack, and was solid defensively and in the aerial battles.
15. Elliot Daly – 5
The full-back had a couple of good aerial takes under pressure from Wales, although his work on the counter-attack, specifically how early he would attempt to step the defence, looked like a man a little short of confidence. A spill in the back line also cost England a possible try late in the first half, too, and was one of four turnovers conceded.
Replacements
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
A missed tackle aside, Cowan-Dickie added some much needed oomph in attack and connected on his sole lineout.
17. Ellis Genge – 5
The loosehead provided some nice momentum with a couple of dominant tackles, although he also contributed to England’s discipline issues with a late penalty.
18. Will Stuart – n/a
Unused replacement.
19. Charlie Ewels – 5
An unnecessary penalty at a lineout deep in Wales’ territory robbed England of momentum and a chance to pressure their opponents.
20. George Martin – n/a
Unused replacement.
21. Ben Earl – 6
Earl offered a nice handling and distribution option in the England back row after his arrival, although his opportunities to impact the game were limited.
22. Dan Robson – 4
Even Robson wasn’t immune from England’s indiscipline and a penalty for changing his lane allowed Wales to kick at goal and make it a two-score game with less than 10 minutes left to play, as well as throwing an intercept pass when England were approaching the Welsh try line.
23. Max Malins – n/a
Came on too late to have an impact on the game.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments