RED ROSE RATINGS - ENGLAND 15 - 16 NEW ZEALAND

RED ROSE RATINGS – ENGLAND 15 – 16 NEW ZEALAND

               Date: 10th November 2018

               Location: Twickenham Stadium, London, England

               Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

               Attendance: 82,149

Having benefited from a marginal call last week it was England's turn to experience the other side of the coin as they lost by a single point to the world champions. Having trailed by 15 points at one stage the All Blacks roared back to lead before a controversial, potentially match-winning Sam Underhill score was chalked off by the TMO

15 – Elliot Daly (Wasps) – 6

Did a reasonably good job marshalling the backfield in tricky conditions against a side that constantly requires you to be on your toes. Showed a lovely bit of athleticism to keep a penalty in play and seemed to exude confidence after this when trying to reignite attacks.

14 – Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks) - 7

Rewarded his coach's faith with a well taken early try which worked wonders in relaxing the hosts into the fixture. Was relatively quiet thereafter but when he was called upon he didn't stand out as a man who hadn't played internationally for a couple of years.

13 – Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) – 7

Particularly influential in the first half as England had most of the say. Looked eager to carry the ball forward when in attack but also mixed this in with a selection of well executed kicks. Didn't disappoint in defence either, an area he had to concentrate on much more in the second period.

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

Far too quiet in attack for a man we know is capable of so much more - this wasn't for a lack of trying though. Was caught on for Damian McKenzie's try, a costly mistake.

11 – Johnny May (Leicester Tigers) – 7

Relentless with his kick chases from the off, forcing errors and putting the All Blacks under pressure. Did exactly the same when catching the ball, running hard and fast to try and exploit broken field. Had one of his textbook carries in the second half although there still remains a few question marks over his decision making in the heat of the moment. 

10 – Owen Farrell (Saracens) – 7

Seemed fired up from the word go. Defended well stripping Ardie Savea of the ball and and dislodging it from the arms of Damien McKenzie on another occasion. Also enjoyed some good moments when in attack, his movement across field helped create the space for Ashton's try. Did make some mistakes though, missed touch on occasion and chose not to go for goal at a crucial junction.

9 – Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) – 7

A wonderfully weighted miss-pass helped put England over for their first try. His kicking was pretty good but not devoid of mistakes, one box-kick was particularly noticeable for being too long. He also aimlessly handed a black shirt possession with a poor chip through.

1 – Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs) – 7

Held his own exceptionally well against some of the world's best at the set-piece. Did a decent job in defence, staying mobile and alert until he was replaced by teammate Alec Hepburn.

2 – Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) – 8

Only played one half of the game due to a thumb injury but was brilliant up until then. Was close to perfect with his throws from the sideline and helped his side with quick ball at the scrum with some efficient hooking. This this all off with a nicely controlled driving maul from which he dotted down. Things went downhill at the set-piece when he was withdrawn.

3 – Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) – 6

Dropped the ball metres from the New Zealand line and was also penalised at the scrum. Still remains one of England's best ball carriers though, he regularly broke the gain-line as well as backing this up with some huge defensive hits. 

4 – Maro Itoje (Saracens) – 8

Got through a huge number of tackles and won a couple of turnovers as well. Was the preferred target for England at the lineout, perhaps too predictably by the end. Engaged in a wonderful contest with New Zealand's Brodie Retallick.

5 – George Kruis (Saracens) – 6

Defended well and competed cleverly at the breakdown. His presence at the lineout, along with Itoje's caused New Zealand plenty of problems. Will be disappointed that he couldn't make more inroads when carrying. 

6 – Brad Shields (Wasps) – 6

Went off for a HIA mid-way through the first half and then went off permanently for Lawes with fifteen left to play. Whilst on the pitch, in his limited time, he put across a physical performance with some big hits and fierce challenges in open play and at ruck time. Guilty of a frustrating fumble following a promising English lineout.

7 – Sam Underhill (Bath) – 9

Did not stop tackling all day long. Took the fight to the All Blacks and caused them problems throughout, his line speed was particularly effective. Came up with a huge turnover on England's line that not only denied New Zealand a scoring opportunity but also gave the home side a very obvious confidence boost. Finished the infamous try brilliantly, ironically had he been pulled down and the ball recycled for a score it would likely have stood.

8 – Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) – 6

Can't fault the Newcastle forward in defence, working tirelessly and proving the South Africa outing last week was no fluke. Did struggle a little more as a ball carrier when he looked one dimensional and was met with some staunch resistance by his black-shirted opposition. 

SUBS:

Jamie George (Saracens) – 4

Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs) – 6

Charlie Ewels (Bath) – 6

Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) - 6 

Danny Care (Harlequins) – 7

George Ford (Leicester Tigers) – N/A

Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) - 6