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England A player ratings vs Australia A | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
By Josh Raisey at Twickenham Stoop Stadium, London
England A put on a second-half clinic to beat Australia A 38-17 on Sunday at the Twickenham Stoop.
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The hosts went in at half-time trailing 5-10, but went up several gears in the second stanza, scoring five tries to lighten the mood in English rugby currently.
Coach Mark Mapletoft had five senior England internationals in his squad, four of which in the starting XV, so this was not a side lacking in Test pedigree and it was evident.
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The question is how many players worked their way into Steve Borthwick’s plans with Japan visiting the Allianz Stadium next week.
Here’s how the England A players rated:
15. Joe Carpenter – 7
Not completely assured under the high ball in a competitive aerial battle- then again, full-backs are having a tough time this November. He did return kicks with plenty of interest.
14. Cadan Murley – 8
Roamed around his home ground nicely, coming off his wing to great effect and was rewarded with two tries. His relationship with club-mate Oscar Beard came to the fore.
13. Oscar Beard – 8.5
Put in plenty of meaty hits in the midfield, which would have delighted Borthwick as it makes a blitz defence far more potent. A sublime offload early in the second half for Murley’s try was a brilliant attacking touch as well, which came out as the match developed.
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12. Fraser Dingwall – 8
Did a lot of work at first receiver, whether carrying or distributing. Not all flashy but the nuts-and-bolts that allowed England’s backline to function. With that said, there were some punchy half-breaks and a nice offload to Murley.
11. Gabriel Ibitoye – 8
October’s Gallagher Premiership player of the month for a reason. Looked lively every time he got his hands on the ball and found plenty more space in the second half before leaving after an hour. But 114 metres carried in an hour is mightily impressive. Probably England’s form player currently.
10. Charlie Atkinson – 7
Showed a nice range of passing, including a whipped missed pass to find Ibitoye in space early on. Linked very well with Dingwall despite the lack to time they would have spent together. Some loose kicking at times, which included a missed kick to touch and a missed early conversion, but that settled down as the match went on.
9. Will Porter – 8
A quick and crisp delivery from the floor had England playing at a nice tempo throughout the match. Got over the ball very well which was a nice bonus. Kept the ball alive with offloads from what were difficult positions at times.
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1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour – 7
Joe Marler’s replacement in the senior squad, and scrummed like a veteran. Definitely had the upper hand in that department, though it didn’t always translate into penalties. Had some nice moments in the loose as well, such as ripping the ball off Luke Reimer. Didn’t last long in the second half- maybe due to Japan next week?
2. Gabriel Oghre – 7
Made a decent 12 tackles when he left the field shortly after half-time and made plenty of carries- not necessarily with a great return but put his body on the line. A near-flawless display at the lineout as well.
3. Joe Heyes – 6
England’s most-capped player with seven caps, the Leicester tighthead was part of a strong, albeit not devastating scrum. Scored the opening try of the match, which required some strength to drive his way over.
4. Hugh Tizard – 6
In a game where there were some exceptional performances in England’s pack, the Saracen was solid but didn’t match his team-mates.
5. Arthur Clark – 8.5
Pinged for not rolling away in the first half but otherwise an eye-catching performance on both sides of the ball. Topped England’s tackle count with 18 despite not playing the full match. With England running low on locks currently, the 22-year-old sent a message to Borthwick.
6. Tom Pearson – 7
A well-rounded display which included some soft hands at one point put Tizard through a half-gap and 10 tackles. Also showed what an asset he is at the lineout, both attacking and defensive. Enthusiasm spilled over into an offside at one point. Lasted an hour, but was outshone by his fellow back-rows.
7. Henry Pollock – 9.5
There is no doubt the Northampton Saints flanker is England’s future. Carried with serious venom and did so all afternoon. Only 19, but was in the face of the visitors from minute one. Pushed Tom Willis all the way on the carries charts, and was able to show off his pace with a surge down the right wing in the second 40. Linked nicely with Ibitoye down the left flank soon after on the way to England’s third try. Stole the show with Willis. How long before he earns his first cap?
8. Tom Willis – 9
Should probably have been in England’s senior squad this November, and put in a performance to remind everyone why. It’s not just the volume of carries he makes – match-leading 23 – but the lines he chooses which makes his carrying so successful. Swatted away Australian tacklers at times from a standing start. Didn’t all go his way though- had the ball ripped from him on one occasion and slipped off a tackle on Corey Toole.
Replacements
16. Curtis Langdon – 7.5
On hand to score England’s third try, although much of the work had been done beforehand. Showed some great endeavour to get his hands on the ball.
17. Emmanuel Iyogun – 6
Made some strong carries as soon as he came on early in the second half.
18. Afolabi Fasogbon – 7.5
Won a scrum penalty soon after coming on which is the introduction any prop wants.
19. Rusi Tuima – 6
Only had 10 minutes at the end, but managed three tackles.
20. Greg Fisilau – 6.5
Like Langdon, scored a try moments after coming on by showing quick thinking at the base of a ruck.
21. Archie McParland – N/A
Only a short spell at the end.
22. Jamie Shillcock – 6.5
An exceptional long-range pass off his left hand put Murley in for his second.
23. Will Muir – 7
A top draw interception brought England’s fifth try. Showed intelligence and pace to pluck the ball out and run in for the try. Had a couple of galloping runs down the left flank.
While I thought Pollock and Willis played well and got through a ton of work, I am not sure their contributions deserved quite the level of praise they're getting. Australia were effective at the breakdown, especially in the first half, and their defence held firm against the forwards' assault. England's attack was more effective out wide (albeit with the forwards earning them the right to use that space).
For me, the most important performance for the senior England side - at least in the short term - was Will Porter. He was quick to the breakdown, made smart decisions under pressure, provided excellent support play and delivered the ball accurately. His afternoon was epitomised by his role in Langdon's try - tracking the move from Carpenter's catch, being on hand to pick up the loose ball after Carpenter missed the offload, then smartly changing direction to avoid a tackle long enough to make the long pass to Langdon and give him a walk in.
Given none of the other England scrum halves on display over the road have set the world alight, I think Porter should be given a chance against Japan, perhaps off the bench. He also has the huge advantage that England have finally committed to Marcus Smith, and Porter is now Quins' first choice 9. The understanding they have could make a material difference to England's attack.
Pollock on the lions tour? Theres a rich history of non cap players shining on past tours!
Too early for him.
At 8, there's no way he could start ahead of Doris or Earl, and currently he's probably also a bit of a way behind Fagerson, Dempsey, Dombrandt, or Conan. At 7 his defence isn't good enough for international rugby.
He needs to spend the year bulking up, working on his defence, and winning the u20 world cup. Then this time next year he'll be able to seriously challenge for the England no.8 shirt.
The future is looking really bright for England!
It allways looks bright untill they English sober up enough.
Shame about the present though.
Borthwick needs to give at least 3 or 4 of England A a start against Japan next week. I’d like to see Dingwall at 12 with Lawrence in his preferred 13 slot.