England player ratings vs Wales: George Ford saves the day but Henry Arundell lacklustre
eng vs wales

England player ratings vs Wales: George Ford saves the day but Henry Arundell lacklustre

Ford saved the day  (AFP via Getty Images)

Ford saved the day (AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Farrell almost cost England with his red card (Getty Images)Farrell almost cost England with his red card (Getty Images)

Farrell almost cost England with his red card (Getty Images)

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.

Itoje helped turn the game around (PA)Itoje helped turn the game around (PA)

Itoje helped turn the game around (PA)

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.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *