England player ratings vs Wales: Freddie Steward masterful as George Ford delivers
England won the second half 11-0 to see off Wales 16-14 at Twickenham and make it two wins from two Six Nations matches.
Ben Earl and Fraser Dingwall both claimed tries, while George Ford booted two crucial penalties as England tiptoed to victory.
Here, Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal rates the England performances.
Backs
Freddie Steward: 9
A masterful and vital performance from the Leicester full-back, who produced two match-saving interventions in the last 10 minutes. Unrivalled under the high ball.
Tommy Freeman: 6
A quiet showing from the Saints wing, but one where he desperately battled to limit the errors.
Henry Slade: 6
Still battling to bring all his talents to bear in this new-look England team. So talented in so many ways, surely England have to find a way for the gifted centre to thrive at Test level.
Fraser Dingwall: 7
Finished his try well and took more steps forward, but will be under pressure for his place if Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi return soon.
Elliot Daly: 7
His diving catch-pass for Dingwall’s try merits this mark alone. The classy Saracens star still has levels to step through, but can always conjure moments of attacking magic.
George Ford: 8
When it mattered most, he delivered, especially with the stunning 50-22 that swung the momentum at the death.
Alex Mitchell: 7
Such a threat on the run, and just about kept his kicking game in good enough order.
Forwards
Joe Marler: 8
A beast at the set-piece and around the fringes. Unfairly penalised at the scrum in the first half, before the referee cottoned on that England were in control.
Jamie George: 7
Lineout wobbled slightly but his leadership continues to grow. Another strong showing to steer England over the line.
Will Stuart: 6
Kept up his end of the bargain at the scrum but still needs to deliver more in the loose.
Maro Itoje: 8
Another ruthless showing from one of England’s most important players.
Ollie Chessum: 7
Unlucky to be sin-binned and had to contend with a head-injury check as well, but returned to bludgeon England home.
Ethan Roots: 6
Showed his inexperience at the level for his yellow card, but recovered as the game progressed.
Sam Underhill: 7
Scrapped for everything, but in truth also could not contain his excellent counterpart Tommy Reffell.
Ben Earl: 8
Bulldozed in for a fine try in another all-action performance in which he set England’s physical and emotional tone.
Replacements
Theo Dan (for George, 71): 7
A bullish cameo as England edged over the line.
Ellis Genge (for Marler, 51): 7
Aggressive and confrontational in the very best of ways.
Dan Cole (for Stuart, 51): 7
Cemented the scrum as England ground home.
Alex Coles (for Chessum, 23 to 33; for Roots, 72): 6
Another promising turn from a player looking to develop well.
Chandler Cunningham-South (for Underhill, 64): 7
Another physical cameo from a young man with a major Test career ahead of him.
Danny Care (for Mitchell, 69): 7
Kept his head and levelled things out for England at the crucial time.
Unused: Fin Smith, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
