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England A ratings vs Portugal | 2024 Welford Road
By Chris Jones
Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, was present and wanted to see some of the country’s best talent operate at a higher level but this game was a mismatch and any report card on the men in white would have to come with an asterisk pointing out the limitations of the opposition. The display of Harry Randall, the Bristol No.9, was impressive and he made the most of the contest which ended 91-5 to the home side.
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The lopsided result has to be tempered by the fact that this was not the first-choice Portugal team that defeated Fiji 24-23 at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France. None of that side appeared in this fixture which gave the next group of young Portuguese players the opportunity to make their case for a step up. However, on this showing they do not have enough strength in depth and conceded more than a point a minute in the first half.
On this evidence, England would have got more out of a match against their U20 team as the opposition just did not have the necessary quality at this level.
England A
15 Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs) – 6
Covers the back field well thanks to his outstanding pace and showed glimpses of this in attack. Solid in defence and benefiting from a run of games now that he is full fit after injury set backs.
14 Cadan Murley (Harlequins) – 7
Proven finisher he collected a hat-trick although he did make a couple of errors in attack including putting boot to ball when keeping it in the hands was the order of the day against a fractured Portugese defence.
13 Oscar Beard (Harlequins) – 6
Played a good linking role in first half before having to switch to the left wing. Does all of the basics well and strong in the tackle. Used this match to enhance his position as a quality back and was eager for work
12 Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby) – 7
Brought his A game to the A game and looked the part in a back division given plenty of ball to work with. Direct and powerful, he is going to be a real option in the mid-field for the senior squad. Dropped the ball over the line to blot his copybook.
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11 Will Muir (Bath Rugby) – 6
The rangy wing is always looking for work and showed both his pace and willingness to chase box kicks and makes his presence felt in the tackle. Lots of talent looking to play on the wing for England. Limped off early in second half.
10 Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby) – 8
Missed his first three conversions but this did not affect his confidence. Controlled the attacking game with assurance and has a good range of passes. A clever chip brought one of the many tries.
9 Harry Randall (Bristol Bears) – 9
One poor kick was the only blemish on an otherwise outstanding performance by the live wire scrum half. He could be England’s answer to Jamison Gibson-Park offering rapid service and a real eye for a gap.
1 Fin Baxter (Harlequins) – 6
Would have liked more chances to show his play with ball in hand but scrummaged strongly and put his shoulder to the wheel at the driving mauls to build on his reputation as a prop who can step up to the next level
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2 Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons) – 6
Hit is his jumpers and enjoyed himself in a game that suits his style of play which is akin to an extra flanker. Couple of handling mistakes but overall he showed how many quality hookers in England.
3 Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers) – 7
Got better as the game progressed, showed a ball carrying quality that is needed by those hoping to impress Borthwick and added power to an England scrum that dominated the opposition
4 Rusiate Tuima (Exeter Chiefs) – 8
Lots to like about this big guy. Lifts well at the line out and adds real power to the scrum as the tight head lock. Made some good ground in the loose , got a try and also put in some big tackles in defence.
5 Charlie Ewels (capt) (Bath Rugby) – 6
Dominated the line out and remains a quality operator in this area. Led the team with a quiet authority and confirmed his place as one of the many options England have in the boiler room
6 Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints) – 8
Appearing on the wing, winning line outs and generally being a real problem for the Portuguese team, he is a player who deserves to be given a chance in the senior team and loves a workload
7 Guy Pepper (Newcastle Falcons) – 6
Made more of an impact as the game progressed picking up a trade mark turn over and working hard a real problem in the contact area. Couple of handling mistakes will have annoyed this talented player
8 Alfie Barbeary (Bath Rugby) – 6
Only half a game for the Bath player whose reputation preceded him which meant double tackles on him negated early charges but got his try and worked hard in the close quarter stuff before knee injury.
REPLACEMENTS:
16 Sam Riley (Harlequins) – 6
Got a try as soon as he came on.
17 Tarek Haffar (Northampton Saints) – 5
Added to a strong England scrum performance.
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott (Exeter Chiefs) – 5
The big man was too strong for his opposite number
19 Ben Bamber (Sale Sharks) – 5
Joined an England pack that attacked at will.
20 Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs) – 5
Filled the role vacated by Barbeary confidently.
21 Caolan Englefield (Gloucester Rugby) – 5
Built on the good work of Randall – also lively.
22 Jamie Shillcock (Leicester Tigers) – 5
A try and some conversions made it a happy debut.
23 Oliver Hartley (Saracens) – 5
Added yet more strong running to a rampant England back line.
Those are some harsh ratings. Is this due to the opposition?