England player ratings vs Wales: George Ford saves the day but Henry Arundell lacklustre
England came from behind to claim a morale-boosting win over Wales.
George Ford completed a late turnaround as Steve Borthwick’s side avoided an all-out crisis but the victory was tempered by a red card for captain Owen Farrell.
Nick Purewal was at Twickenham to rate the England players…
Freddie Steward – 5
Reckless yellow card so nearly cost England the match.
Henry Arundell – 5
Another lacklustre showing and one that will concern Borthwick.
Joe Marchant – 6
Absolutely no chance to shine behind a pack that could not generate any ball.
Ollie Lawrence – 6
One power carry aside, as with Marchant he did not have the platform to perform.
Elliot Daly – 7
Showed flashes of the absolute class that will have him a certain starter in France.
Owen Farrell – 5
His tackle technique will come under renewed scrutiny after a poor red card.
Jack Van Poortvliet – 5
Struggled to impose himself and limped off with a worrying knee injury.
Joe Marler – 6
Scrummaged well early on but faded.
Jamie George – 7
Thew himself into everything and was pivotal to the late rally.
Will Stuart – 6
Set-piece slipped off again after a good first-half.
Maro Itoje – 6
Grabbed the try to turn the tide and kept in the fight.
George Martin – 6
Looked hampered by a knee issue but grafted hard.
Courtney Laws – 6
Still inching back to top fitness but threatened in patches.
Ben Earl – 7
Grew as the game went on despite the carnage around him.
Billy Vunipola – 6
A good first hit-out for the fit-again powerhouse.
REPLACEMENTS:
Ellis Genge (for Marler ’53) – 6
Sin-binned straight off the bench but recovered well and was aggressive and focused.
Dan Cole (for Stuart ’56) – 7
Helped England find some late ballast from nowhere.
George Ford (for Arundell, 56) – 8
Saved the day at the last when England lost Farrell. Showed England the direction they had so lacked.
Max Malins (for Lawrence, 71) – 6
Kept himself busy and did his best not to lose his cool.