England rugby ratings: Ford back to his best as USA are brushed aside for second World Cup win
ENGLAND put seven tries past USA on Wednesday as George Ford led the team to another comfortable Rugby World Cup victory. Having failed to hit the heights in the opening beating of Tonga, the Leicester Tigers star returned to his best for the Kobe cruise. Here, Jonny Fordham provides his take on how each individual […]
ENGLAND put seven tries past USA on Wednesday as George Ford led the team to another comfortable Rugby World Cup victory.
Having failed to hit the heights in the opening beating of Tonga, the Leicester Tigers star returned to his best for the Kobe cruise.
Here, Jonny Fordham provides his take on how each individual performed in England’s 45-7 victory that keeps them on course to qualify from Pool C.
Elliot Daly – 8
Always sniping and looking to slip into the backline. Looked dangerous running arced lines and kicking game was also solid.
Ruaridh McConnochie – 7
Neat footwork and strength in the 5m channel to step and then beat the Eagles defence for his first England try.
Jonathan Joseph – 8
Had his dancing shoes on and skipped his way through the USA backline to carve them open for Cokanasiga’s try.
Piers Francis – 6
Put it about and showed some nice footwork, but his high hit to the head of Will Hooley in the first minute could leave him with a ban.
Joe Cokanasiga – 8
Absolutely steamrollered Blaine Scully and had to do the same to the Eagles defence for the bonus-point try from close range. Grabbed another late one by using his pace and power.
STAR MAN George Ford – 8
Loving life with front-foot ball and was lethal in attack. Good to see him kick for the corners too when he could have chose easy three-pointers.
Willi Heinz – 7
Rapid ball from the breakdown and kept England moving forwards. Looks at ease at Test and playing in a World Cup.
Joe Marler – 7
Must have been hiding his pace for years as he managed to catch lighting quick winger Martin Iosefo to put in a hit.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
Now has four tries in his last six Tests. Is playing his best rugby in an England shirt and a genuine contender to start the big games now too.
Dan Cole – 7
Destroyed rookie David Ainu’u at the very first scrum. At 32 and after winning his 91st cap is proving Eddie Jones was right to bring him back.
Joe Launchbury – 6
Dropped the ball three times to cough up possession and didn’t have the best of days out there. Looked to struggle in the humidity too.
George Kruis – 7
Got the line out spot on and only lost one. Made his fair share of carries too. Will partner Maro Itoje against the Pumas as England’s best lock pairing.
Tom Curry – 7
Always a nuisance and full of energy. Won’t have any more easy games like this, though.
Lewis Ludlam – 8
Bagged his first international try as USA tired towards the end. Tackled hard and covered every blade of grass on the pitch.
Billy Vunipola – 7
Scored a try, did a bit of damage, then wrapped up in cotton wool and given an early half-time bath. Now has eight days rest ahead of the Argentina game.
Replacements
Jack Singleton (on for Cowan-Dickie, 69) 6
Ellis Genge (on for Marler, 41) 8
Kyle Sinckler (on for Cole, 41) 6
Courtney Lawes (on for Launchbury, 51) 7
Mark Wilson (on for Vunipola, 41) 7
Ben Youngs (on for Heinz, 51) 6
Owen Farrell (on for Francis, 51) 6
Anthony Watson (on for McConnochie, 61) 8