RED ROSE RATINGS – ENGLAND 12 – 6 WALES

RED ROSE RATINGS – ENGLAND 12 – 6 WALES 

               Date: 10^th February 2018

               Location: Twickenham Stadium, London, England

               Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

               Attendance: 82,000

Wales fell short amid much TMO controversy as England maintained their 100% start to the campaign. Two early tries for the hosts proved pivotal as they found a way to hang on and fend off a battling Welsh side. The scene is now set for a bumper weekend in a fortnight with Wales taking on the unbeaten Irish and England contesting the Calcutta Cup with Scotland.

15 – Mike Brown (Harlequins) – 8

Wonderful display from the full-back who was a force in both attack and defence. Ran with direction and intensity causing constant problems for those in red. Last week he started with some nervy handling but was solid this time out and helped provide a sturdy base for England’s defence.

14 – Anthony Watson (Bath) - 6

Crucially involved in the biggest moment of the game when he somehow convinced the TMO that he dotted down before Anscombe. Not his fault the decision was wrong and he must be applauded for getting himself in that position in the first place. Other than that, a quiet game that was cut short by injury.

13 – Johnathan Joseph (Bath) – 7

Made a few little breaks in the second half and defended very well. Never outfoxed by the Welsh and proved a nuisance to the inexperienced Patchell, just what Eddie Jones would have asked for.

12 – Owen Farrell (Saracens) – 9

Brilliant assist to set up May with a delightful piece of vision in a game that demanded genius to score tries. His kicking from hand laid the foundations for a successful territory battle and his defence was ferocious as ever with turnovers at crucial moments.

11 – Johnny May (Leicester Tigers) – 7

Scored the game’s only tries, the first courtesy of his exceptional speed and acceleration, the second more a case of right place right time. The second half gave him fewer opportunities going forward but the Leicester man never shirked his defensive duties when required.

10 – George Ford (Leicester Tigers) – 7

Controlled the game and was the clear winner in the battle of the 10s against Rhys Patchell. Continued to ask questions of defences with Farrell lurking alongside and helped see out a tight game right up until his substitution for Ben Te’o.

9 – Danny Care (Harlequins) – 7

A composed display when you consider Care has made just half a dozen starts in an England shirt under Eddie Jones. Kicked well from the base of the ruck and controlled the tempo of the game helping build momentum for his own side whilst stifling that of the Welsh when needed.

1 – Mako Vunipola (Saracens) – 7

Was on the pitch for almost the entire contest which has to be applauded considering the intensity of the match. Carried well as always and did his job in a feisty scrum against opposite number Samson Lee.

2 – Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) – 7

Looked as if his match would end before it had properly begun after he went off for a HIA after 45 seconds but returned to lead England to an industrious win shaking off any effects of the early knock. A captain’s performance.

3 – Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers) – 6

Put in plenty of big hits but wasn’t quite as solid in the scrum as England fans would have wanted. He certainly wasn’t overpowered but was made to think on a few occasions at the set-piece.

4 – Joe Launchbury (Wasps) – 9

So often the quiet workhorse holding England together but it was impossible to not notice the immense forward this time round. Carried relentlessly and showcased wonderful hands to supply May with the easiest of tries after barrelling through the Welsh defence. Also tackled his heart out and was brilliant at the set-piece showings.

5 – Maro Itoje (Saracens) – 7

Ironed out many of his problems from the Italy fixture and fronted up very well against Lions’ teammate Alun Wyn Jones. Showed his physicality with a monstrous hit on Patchell when he teamed up with Lawes. Enthusiasm taking on the ball was evident for all to see and the legs never stopped pumping when he did get it.

6 – Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) – 7

Similar display to Itoje, even to the point where they were tackling and turning over together. Looked to span the roles of both lock and flanker in an all-encompassing performance.

7 – Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) – 7

Did everything asked of him in a quiet first half but really put a shift in when he moved to 8 following the injury to Simmonds. Continued to showcase his defensive talents at the breakdown but also helped anchor a key battleground at scrum time.

8 – Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

A much sterner test as expected this time round which was unfortunately cut short due to a shoulder injury. Worked hard in defence up until the substitution though, was just a shame we didn’t get to see a full performance from last week’s star man.

SUBS:

Jamie George (Saracens) – 7

Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs) – N/A

Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

George Kruis (Saracens) – 6

Sam Underhill (Bath) – 8

Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens) – 6

Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors) – 6

Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

Henry Justice