RED ROSE RATINGS - ENGLAND 12 - 11 SOUTH AFRICA

RED ROSE RATINGS – ENGLAND 12 – 11 SOUTH AFRICA

               Date: 3rd November 2018

               Location: Twickenham Stadium, London, England

               Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

               Attendance: 82,000

England kicked off their testing quartet of Autumn internationals with a scrappy win against the Springboks. The South Africans scored the game’s only try and they were denied a controversial penalty right at the death, one which would have given them the chance to kick for the game.

15 – Elliot Daly (Wasps) – 5

Looked unsure when collecting the high ball and his own kicking in-play often lacked precision. Also made some questionable attacking decisions, did however kick a crucial long-range penalty that in such a tight encounter was worth its weight in goal. His ability to shoot from distance, based on today’s game, seems to be the only clear advantage he has over Mike Brown.

14 – Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

Yet again he worked incredibly hard, playing a variety of positions without neglecting his wing when needed. Will be disappointed he never got to showcase his attacking capabilities in a tight affair. Will potentially need to show more with Ashton clearly liked by Eddie Jones.

13 – Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

Still unable to produce a strong enough performance to truly nail down a starting berth. Produced a few encouraging moments of skill on his own, especially in the second half but there were no indications that his partnership with Te’o will be a World Cup winning one.

12 – Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors) – 5

Looked like a man lacking genuine rugby time. Was found wanting in defence when the South Africans tried to go around him and there often seemed uncoordinated gaps between himself and Slade. Strong in the tackle when he did get his technique right, but this wasn’t always the case. More game time needed.

11 – Johnny May (Leicester Tigers) – 7

The winger ran his socks off and enjoyed an impressive second half once England perked up. The space wasn’t naturally there but the Leicester speedster did everything to try and find it. He used his pace and eagerness to harry and harass South Africa at every opportunity. Lucky not to have been penalised more though, must be more wary of this moving forwards. 

10 – Owen Farrell (Saracens) – 7

Defended well in the first half and then acted as the catalyst to get England going in the second period. Kicked three nerveless penalties and executed a wonderful strip on Lood de Jager as the clocked ticked down. Was lucky to get away with a no-arms tackle at the end, and he knew it.

9 – Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) – 7

Tackled well with grit and determination and helped do enough to keep South Africa at bay during a restricted game where territory was key. His experience and calmness were fundamental.

1 – Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs) – 5

Endured a tough half of rugby in the scrum and was unable to offer anything in the loose when on the ball. Was subbed off at the break for club colleague Ben Moon.

2 – Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) – 7

Lost just one throw all game, an impressive statistic considering the struggles of his opposite number Malcolm Marx. Defended imperiously when South Africa applied pressure and seemed to handle the role of sharing his captaincy with Farrell very well.

3 – Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) – 6

A mixed bag at scrum time where he failed to assert any real dominance over a fierce Springbok pack. Had more success in some close quarters defence and even managed to make inroads when taking the ball forward.

Ben Moon thought it was a joke when England came calling (Photo: Getty)

4 – Maro Itoje (Saracens) – 6

Saved an almost certain try with his penalty that earnt him his yellow card. Would have been responsible had England imploded at this stage but his teammates rallied to spare his blushes. Besides his ill-disciplined moments he took the fight to man mountain Eben Etzebeth and never stopped pumping his legs.

5 – George Kruis (Saracens) – 7

Allowed England good, clean lineout ball and helped ensure South Africa had the complete opposite. Proved a handful at the breakdown, slowing ball throughout. Guilty of one illegal infringement but otherwise successful and law abiding, which was well needed.

6 – Brad Shields (Wasps) – 5

Worked hard and competed well on his first Twickenham appearance. Brought a relentless intensity well suited to a tight game like this but reaped fewer rewards than he would have liked. Had his side's best offensive chance but made a mess of it. England’s best option in the backrow? It remains to be seen.

7 – Tom Curry (Sale Sharks) – 6

Feisty, aggressive and powerful performance from the Sharks flanker. Defended with tireless ferocity and constantly made life hard for the visitors. With the ball under his arm he did similar, regularly making metres beyond the gain-line and initial tackle points.

8 – Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) – 7

A very different player to the ones Eddie Jones normally employs at Number 8 but one that proved his worth nonetheless. Didn’t seem daunted at all by the event, he competed and restrained at the breakdown perfectly. Besides this he wasn’t found out under the high ball, or when carrying either. Would love to see him given more appearances down the line.

SUBS:

Jamie George (Saracens) – 6

Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs) – 7

Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

Charlie Ewels (Bath) – N/A

Zach Mercer (Bath) – 7

Danny Care (Harlequins) – 6

George Ford (Leicester Tigers) – 5

Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks) – 7

Henry Justice