RED ROSE RATINGS - ENGLAND 33 - 19 WALES
RED ROSE RATINGS – ENGLAND 33 – 19 WALES
Date: 11th
August 2019
Location:
Twickenham Stadium, London, England
Referee: Mathieu
Raynal (France)
Attendance:
80,944
England began their World Cup run-in with a comprehensive
victory over their old rivals. In the first of two clashes in two weeks against
their neighbours a relatively experimental England commanded from start to
finish. The victory not only would have given Eddie Jones’ side a great confidence
boost, but it also denied Wales a chance to climb to the summit of the world
rankings as preparations heat up.
15 – Elliot Daly (Saracens) – 6
Slotted a very tidy drop-goal on the move and looked eager
to find space and exploit open field. His weaknesses were brought to light on
occasion though, he could have done much better in defence for Gareth Davies’
solo try and his confidence still seems lacking under the high ball.
14 – Joe Cokanasiga (Bath) – 7
Scored again in English colours, this time showing his power
in close quarters as he crashed over from a close-range ruck. Another big
strong performance in attack and Eddie Jones’ will value the fact he’s a very
different prospect and performer to the other English wings available. Still a
tendency just to get caught ball watching and find himself out of position in
defence on occasions.
13 – Jonathan Joseph (Bath) – 6
Returned to the centre berth nicely, especially active on
the attack which complimented Piers Francis’ more defensively minded
performance nicely. Showed off his footwork and agility giving little
indication of his injury lay off.
12 – Piers Francis (Northampton Saints) – 6
One of Eddie’s more unfamiliar chargers the Northampton
Saints player had a very encouraging outing. Pretty quiet with ball in hand but
a resolute defender making some big tackles and playing with great line speed.
Left late on to the HIA protocol.
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| Watson impressed on his return (Photo: Getty Images) |
11 – Anthony Watson (Bath) – 8
Another Bath back returning to Twickenham after a lengthy period
out. Showed off his versatility and was particularly impressive under the high
ball. Also looked accomplished in both attack and defence coming close to a
score of his own. Biggest takeaway for England will be the potential
versatility of the twenty-five-year-old in Japan.
10 – George Ford (Leicester Tigers) – 8
Captained and managed his side well from the middle and
kicked tidily from the tee as Owen Farrell looked on. Unlocked the Welsh defence
with some deft touches and perfectly timed passes. Continues to look a really
good rugby brain to have pulling the strings at fly-half.
9 – Willi Heinz (Gloucester) – 6
He won’t be England’s first choice at nine but his fifty-minute
performance showed that he’s got enough talent and control to marshal England
on the international stage. Looked quick and eager combining with Ford nicely early
on and gave the Welsh little time to think orchestrating two sieges on the visitor’s
line in the first half. Another that should have been watching Gareth Davies though
who ran the best part of a half to score for Wales.
1 – Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers) – 7
Massive in the scrum against Francis and he contributed in a
big way to destroying Wales’ set-piece platform. There were flashes of the
hot-headed temperament though but with this we also saw his ball carrying grit.
It would be lovely as an England fan just to see the latter, but it looks the
two go hand in hand for Ellis.
2 – Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) – 7
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| Luke Cowan-Dickie scores for England (Photo:Getty Images) |
Made his opposite number look very silly when he read an
over-throw on the Welsh line to gallop over for his first international try
just before the break. There were no such mistakes when it came to lineouts of
his own and he was inches away from claiming an assist too when his pass to
Youngs floated forwards.
3 – Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers) – 7
Completed a trio of strong scrummagers for England and acted
as the older head in the front-row. Also popped up in the loose too and pulled
off a very effective strip on Liam Williams to win possession.
4 – Joe Launchbury (Wasps) – 7
Tackled well and competed at the breakdown nicely. As always,
he also offered a nice clean lineout target when called upon by Cowan-Dickie. Seemed
to pop up on the shoulder every time England broke and made an important carry
just before Cokanasiga found his way over.
5 – Charlie Ewels (Bath) – 7
Had a taste of both life in the second-row and at flanker later
in the game, he seemed at home with both. Hit the red shirts with some big
tackles and showed his hunger with an early charge down. Caused problems at the
breakdown and got over the ball more than once. As a second-row alone he is
unlikely to get the call to Japan but as a utility forward who can fill in
numerous areas he may just have a chance.
6 – Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints) – 6
A decent debut from the Northampton man which saw his first
tackle in English colours win a scrum. Continued to defend well throughout but his
inexperience showed during an altercation with Alun Wyn Jones and his conceding
of a penalty.
7 – Tom Curry (Sale Sharks) – 7
Was only on for just shy of half-an-hour, his injury being one
of the only lowlights of England’s day. Despite an afternoon cut short he
seized upon an interception and made a lovely line-break which culminated in
Vunipola’s and England’s first try.
8 – Billy Vunipola (Saracens) – 8
Scored the game’s opening try and never looked back. Bruising
in the carry but also showed off his softer side with some brilliant handling.
Could easily have had a second on a day where he seemed unstoppable from close
range. One of England’s few that are irreplaceable.
SUBS:
Jack Singleton (Saracens) – N/A
Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs) – 7
George Kruis (Saracens) – 6
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) – 7
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) – 6
Joe Marchant (Harlequins) – N/A
Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers) – 7
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