Wallabies player ratings vs England | 1st Test July 2022
The Wallabies hosted England at Optus Stadium in Perth for game one of the July Series between the two nations.
Both teams came into the game with players missing through injury and illness, particularly in the front row. It was a low-key build-up, with England coach Eddie Jones reticent to throw barbs against his opposition coach in the media, while Dave Rennie opted to base his squad on the Gold Coast away from prying eyes.
The Wallabies named two debutants to start, with 33-year-old Caderyn Neville included at lock and 29-year-old Dave Porecki named at hooker. Quade Cooper was a late withdrawal, forcing the Wallabies to start Noah Lolesio and put James O’Connor on the bench.
It went from bad to worse for the Wallabies early in the match, with fullback Tom Banks going off with a nasty arm break, Allan Ala’alatoa sent for an HIA and Darcy Swain red-carded for a headbutt all in the first half. The Wallabies did well to gain the lead early in the second half before England clawed it back. A spirited fightback allowed the Wallabies to gain ascendancy for most of the second half with late tries to Jordan Petaia, Folau Fainga’a and Pete Samu.
The gruelling match took its toll, and the Wallabies let in two late tries to England, but survived by the skin of their teeth to record a famous 30-28 victory.
Here’s how the Wallabies rated:
1. Angus Bell – 6/10
Was challenged at scrum time against his opposite number but was able to win back some scrum penalties. Made a blockbusting run to put the Wallabies in a position to score.
2. David Porecki – 7
An impressive start to his Wallabies career. He was excellent at lineout time, working well with his lineout targets to keep England guessing. Was a ball hawk out in the tram tracks and used his physicality in his carries. Won a couple of crucial turnovers to get the Wallabies out of trouble.
3. Allan Ala’alatoa – 4
Battled at scrum time to set a platform for the Wallabies. Went off for an HIA after getting concussed in a tackle and didn’t return.
4. Darcy Swain – 4
Was aggressive in the clear-out and in maul defence. Was red-carded for a headbutt on Johnny Hill after the England lock pulled his hair in a maul.
5. Cadeyrn Neville – 6.5
Making his Wallabies debut at 33 years old, he made his presence known early by holding up Ellis Genge in the tackle to win a scrum penalty. Was forced to take on sole lock duties with Swain sent from the field and was one of the hardest-working players on the ground.
6. Rob Leota – 6.5
Put in some big hits and carried over the advantage line on multiple occasions. Was targeted in the lineout and combined well with his back row in the rucks.
7. Michael Hooper – 7
As usual, the skipper lead from the front and showed off his incredible work rate. Won a crucial turnover right on the Wallabies defensive line to prevent an attacking raid from England.
8. Rob Valetini – 6.5
Was at his powerful best in the carry and looked dangerous from the back of the scrum. Got through a mountain of work, carrying five times for 15 metres and making 13 tackles.
9. Nic White – 6
With the late scratching of Cooper, the Wallabies scrumhalf took it upon himself to become chief playmaker. His tactical kicking was relied upon when the Wallabies’ attack stalled, and he took his opportunities when it was time to turn the pressure on.
10. Noah Lolesio – 7
A surprise start for Lolesio, he understandably took his time to ease into the test match. Got limited opportunities with the ball in hand, but he stood up in defence when runners were directed down his channel and made 11 tackles. Was perfect off the boot and kept the Wallabies in touch.
11. Marika Koroibete – 8
Was industrious in defence and chased kicks towards England’s back three. Made a try-saving tackle on Joe Marchant to prevent an early try attempt. Sniped around the ruck and combined with Anfrew Kellaway to get the Wallabies over the advantage line, running for 64 metres. Was every around the park and was one of the Wallabies’ best.
12. Samu Kerevi – 7
Was asked to carry hard and direct down the inside channel of Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell and was devasting in attack, making 50 metres off 12 carries. What was most impressive from the centre was his ability to kick for touch and get into English territory.
13. Len Ikitau – 5.5
Was kept quiet in the first half with the Wallabies backline starved of possession by a stifling England defence. Made six tackles.
14. Andrew Kellaway – 7.5
Came off his wing to make runs and found gaps in the English defence. Shifted to fullback to cover for the injured Banks. Injected himself into a backline move and gave the final pass to put Petaia over for a try.
15. Tom Banks – N/A
Didn’t get many touches to begin the game. In the 21st minute, he went up in the air for a high ball and fell heavily. He suffered a broken arm and didn’t return to the game.
Reserves:
16. Folau Fainga’a – 5.5
Subbed on in the 67th minute and his first lineout throw was a good one. Scored a minute later by peeling off the back of the maul.
17. Scott Sio – 5.5
Replaced Bell in the second half and performed admirably at scrum time.
18. James Slipper – 6.5
Came on halfway through the first half as cover for Ala’alatoa. Packing down on the tighthead side, he took up the challenge against the English pack. Played over 60 minutes and still won an important scrum penalty against the feed in the 75th minute.
19. Matt Philip – 6
Came off the bench to add some extra help to the Wallabies pack. Was instrumental in organising lineout and attacking mauls close to the try line.
20. Pete Samu – 6
Came on in the 70th minute. Combined with Hooper to win a crucial turnover as England were storming into the Wallabies 22. Finished a fantastic multi-phase effort from the Wallabies to put the game beyond doubt.
21. Jake Gordon – 5.5
Came on late and kept the tempo going, helping the Wallabies march up the field to edge further ahead.
22. James O’Connor – N/A
Got on late. Missed a tackle for England’s final try of the game. Looked underdone after a late call-up to the side.
23. Jordan Petaia – 6.5
Entered the game to replace the injured Banks. Was on the end of a brilliant backline move to put the Wallabies ahead.
Comments on RugbyPass
I certainly don’t enjoy drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to comments