Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

England player ratings vs Italy - 2021 Six Nations

England's Jonny May scores a spectacular acrobatic finish at Twickenham. (Getty Images)

After the horrors of the Calcutta Cup a week previous, England and Eddie Jones righted the ship with a solid 41-18 win over Italy at Twickenham.

ADVERTISEMENT

There were still plenty of areas where England will feel unhappy about their performance, as attacks faltered in key moments, though it was a much-improved display than their showing against Scotland and showed what the side is capable of when they go out with an intent to keep the ball in hand, build multi-phase attacks and not subscribe to an unamendable structure.

Check out our player ratings for the victorious England side below.

1. Mako Vunipola – 6
A solid but understated performance from Vunipola, which was to be expected given how long he has been away from competitive rugby. An early engage at the scrum aside, he did well in his first game back.

Video Spacer

Billy Vunipola’s fitness, Farrell’s form and the worst England performance ever?

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Billy Vunipola’s fitness, Farrell’s form and the worst England performance ever?

      2. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
      Jamie George’s place in the starting XV is not under threat after one poor performance but the additional explosion in the carry that Cowan-Dickie brought will not have gone unnoticed, either. He also nailed six of his seven lineouts and showed that he can be relied upon at the set-piece.

      3. Kyle Sinckler – 8
      Sinckler was a significant factor in England’s increased tempo and attacking fluency this week. He helped deliver a stable set-piece that was able to exert pressure on Italy, as well as stepping up as a ball-carrier and handler, capable of shifting the point of contact and unlocking the Italian defensive line.

      4. Maro Itoje – 8
      A typically effective performance from one of the few England players to come out of the Calcutta Cup with credit. Itoje was physical and quick off the line in defence, he was the go-to man at the lineout and repeatedly dented the Azzurri defence with his carrying and accurate clear-outs. He alone provided three turnovers for England.

      5. Jonny Hill – 6
      A solid outing from Hill, who earned his hard-fought pick and go try in the first half. He did the nuts and bolts well for England, even if Itoje’s overall impact in the loose was slightly more eye-catching.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      6. Courtney Lawes – 7
      After conceding an early penalty, Lawes bounced back well and had a profound effect on England’s attacking performance. In addition to the physicality he brought on both sides of the ball, his tip-ons and close-quarter handling was excellent, something which kept English attacks alive and the Italian defence scrambling and unable to reset.

      7. Tom Curry – 8
      When Itoje shines, so does Curry, in what is quickly becoming a weekly race for man of the match between the pair. Curry’s line speed and force in the tackle forced a couple of turnovers out of Italy, whilst his kick-chase work was every bit as effective as that of Jonny May and Anthony Watson, too.

      8. Billy Vunipola – 6
      If Vunipola had looked undercooked last week against Scotland, this was the performance of someone who was far more up-to-speed. He made some key defensive contributions and looked like a player with an extra 10 or 20 minutes full intensity in the tank than he did a week earlier.

      9. Ben Youngs – 6
      Youngs was able to control the battle for territory well when he put the boot to ball but there were a couple of occasions where his choice or execution of pass let him down and brought England’s attacks to a halt. He was able to maintain England’s higher tempo well, though.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      10. George Ford – 6
      Ford fit the game plan against Italy well and between himself, Owen Farrell and Henry Slade, England never lacked for a first or second receiver capable of making precise pass and putting a runner through a hole. A couple of defensive errors blotted the copybook, however.

      11. Jonny May – 7
      May’s first half finish will go down as one of the most spectacular in English rugby history and was a fine of example of the game awareness and athletic ability he brings. After being starved of the ball last week, he also popped up in the midfield multiple times, looking for both the ball and for space.

      Jonny May
      Jonny May /Getty

      12. Owen Farrell – 7
      It was not an error-free performance from Farrell, who missed two kicks against the Azzurri and had a couple of handling errors, but it was a performance which made those around him better. The quickness with which he was able to give England width was critical to the success that May and Watson had.

      13. Henry Slade – 7
      There was a nice balance to Slade’s game, with his array of carrying, passing and kicking skills proving potent. His presence in attack, with plenty of opportunities with the ball in hand, kept the Italians on high alert and, like Farrell, facilitated the success of those around him.

      14. Anthony Watson – 8
      Watson looked back at his deadly best at Twickenham on Saturday, with his dazzling footwork and electric turn of pace causing Italy plenty of problems. The step off his right for his first half try was borderline undefendable and his ability to almost always evade the first man created space and opportunity for England. The intercept try in the second half was a fitting cherry on top of a strong performance.

      15. Elliot Daly – 5
      A poor pass and defensive mistake early seemed to play on Daly’s mind as he ended up chasing the game. He couldn’t quite bring the same positive momentum in attack that his back three colleagues did but he kept his width well for a late try.

      Replacements

      16. Jamie George – 6
      Any inaccuracies at the lineout from the game against Scotland seemed to be long gone as George arrived from the bench and maintained England’s dominance at the set-piece.

      17. Ellis Genge – 7
      After being sent backwards in his carry, Genge brought threat with the ball in hand, plenty of energy and kept up the scrum pressure on the Azzurri.

      18. Will Stuart – n/a
      Came on too late to impact the game.

      19. Charlie Ewels – 6
      Opportunities were few and far between for Ewels to impact the game during the death, as England cruised to victory.

      20. Jack Willis – 7
      The back row showcased his enviable physicality with his second half try, as he absorbed the tackle and drove through for the try line. He sadly had to leave the game shortly after with what looked like a serious knee injury.

      21. Ben Earl – 6
      Earl didn’t have much of an opportunity to impact the game and his handling skills were on display as England turned the screw and finished off the game.

      22. Dan Robson – 7
      Robson brought threat as a ball-carrier and his quickly tapped penalty led to Willis’ try and killed off the game for England. That threat kept the Italian defence honest.

      23. Max Malins – n/a
      Came on too late to impact the game.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Kubota Spears vs Saitama Wild Knights | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

      The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

      Boks Office | Episode 40 | The Steven Kitshoff Special

      Perry Baker in the house | HSBC Life on Tour | Los Angeles

      O2 Inside Line: All In | Episode 6 | Le Crunch

      The Unexpected Journey to USA 7s Glory | Aaron Cummings | Sevens Wonders

      USA vs Japan | Full Match Replay

      Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

      Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

      Tackling reasons for drop-out in sport | Zainab Alema | Rugby Rising Locker Room

      Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      C
      Cecilia Diesch 1 hour ago
      Freddie Burns' message to prompt transfer scramble?

      Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

      0 Go to comments
      C
      Cecilia Diesch 2 hours ago
      Major selection twist for Wallaroos months out from Rugby World Cup

      Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

      1 Go to comments
      G
      GertraudHubert 2 hours ago
      Wallaroos hungry for more in search of trans-Tasman competitiveness

      As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to soar, so does the risk of losing access to these valuable digital assets due to various reasons, including hacking or accidental transactions. TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT has emerged as a game-changer, specializing specifically in Bitcoin recovery solutions that help users regain access to their lost or stolen assets.TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT stands out as a leader in the cryptocurrency recovery field, providing unmatched services tailored to the unique challenges faced by Bitcoin users. Whether you are an individual investor who has lost access to your wallet or a business dealing with Bitcoin transactions, their expertise is designed to help you recover your financial assets efficiently and effectively. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the complexities of cryptocurrency management, having a reliable partner like TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT is essential for anyone serious about reclaiming their Bitcoin holdings.The company’s approach combines advanced recovery techniques with deep expertise in the intricacies of Bitcoin transactions. They understand that losing access to your cryptocurrency can be a distressing experience, and their dedicated team is committed to providing the support needed to navigate this challenging situation. TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT specializes in various recovery scenarios, ensuring that users can regain access to their assets with minimal disruption.From personal experience, I can attest to the transformative impact TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT has had on my approach to Bitcoin recovery. As someone who prioritizes the integrity of my digital assets, I was genuinely impressed by their thorough and effective recovery processes. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that there is a dedicated team ready to assist in recovering my Bitcoin is invaluable.With TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT, I feel empowered to navigate the world of cryptocurrency without fear, allowing me to focus on investment opportunities rather than potential losses. TRUST GEEKS HACK EXPERT isn’t just another service provider; it’s a trailblazer setting new standards for Bitcoin recovery. Their relentless innovation and client-focused approach have made them the go-to solution for anyone serious about reclaiming their digital financial future. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly encourage you to contact E m a i l: Trustgeekshackexpert[At]fastservice[Dot]com , w h a t's A p p. +1 7 1 9 4 9 2 2 6 9 3 & TeleGram ID: Trustgeekshackexpert

      0 Go to comments
      C
      Cecilia Diesch 3 hours ago
      Bristol Bears player ratings vs Bath | 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership

      Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

      1 Go to comments
      C
      Cecilia Diesch 3 hours ago
      Leinster player ratings vs Zebre Parma | 2024/25 URC

      Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

      0 Go to comments
      TRENDING
      TRENDING 'Frankly insulting': The 2 clear trends in Lions' squad reactions 'Frankly insulting': The 2 clear trends in Lions' squad reactions
      Search