Player Ratings: A frustrating performance
OPINION: The Wallabies were soundly defeated by England 32-15 at Twickenham this afternoon in what could be described as a self-destructive performance by the Australians.
Despite missing key players, the tourists were determined yet ill-discipline with two yellow cards forcing them to play with 14 men for 20 minutes. This coupled with poor timing and inaccuracy gifted the English a plethora of opportunities that subsequently poured pressure back onto the Wallabies.
It was a frustrating performance by the Australians who failed to fire when in possession. Yet to their credit they were dogged in defence and grafted their way to stay in the match.
Nick Turnbull rates the Wallabies!
1. Angus Bell – 6/10
The Wallabies set piece was considered to be a weakened due to injuries yet he toiled well and the more fancied Kyle Sinckler didn’t have it all his own way. Yet his yellow card after an unnecessary tip tackle was poor judgment and only heaped pressure back onto his side.
2. Folau Fainga’a – 4
He was poor at some basic but crucial moments. Be it giving away an offensive penalty for not staying on his feet or baulking at a lineout when on attack is simply not good enough for a man of his test experience.
3. James Slipper – 6.5
Playing on the unfamiliar tight head side he made a good fist of it and for the better part of the match gave his side some platform to work off. Guilty of the odd defensive error but a brave performance altogether.
4. Rory Arnold – 5
Missing in defence. Whilst his lineout functioned, he needed to more of a presence in general play.
5. Izack Rodda – 5
Not good enough today. Penalties conceded, missed tackles, poor timing in attack. Outside of grabbing a couple of turnovers it was a forgettable performance.
6. Rob Leota – 6
Had a poor defensive read that contributed to England’s first try. Yet there were positives when in possession and his defence improved as the game went on. One of the Wallabies better players today.
7. Michael Hooper – 6
Was guilty of ill-discipline and oddly missed tackles and never found a way to impose himself on the game as he often does. Left the field early in the second half with a right leg injury.
8. Rob Valetini – 7
Probably Australia’s best forward today as he was a threat on both sides of the ball. He carried with strength and was stern in defence and exhausted himself for the 80.
9. Nic White – 7
Australia’s best back. With an attack that wasn’t functioning his tactical kicking ensured the Wallabies could impose some field pressure and allow for some contestable challenges. Key moment was his try-saving tackle on Jamie George who looked certain to score.
10. James O’Connor – 6
Kicked all of Australia points and had some quality touches of the ball but the attack didn’t really function today to which he must shoulder some responsibility.
11. Tom Wright – 5
Forgettable test. Was yellow carded for poor tackle technique that was a correct decision. Had some exciting moments with the ball but fumbled in open space by not holding his depth and width and hitting the O’Connor pass with pace, instead drifted off him and stuck out an arm. Not good enough today!
12. Hunter Paisami – 7
Individually had some superb moments in both defence and attack but the combination with James O’Connor, Len Ikitau and Kurtley Beale didn’t work today. He has a poor left to right pass that cost his side at times.
13. Len Ikitau – 5.5
Had some moments in the match but they were few and far between. More moments required.
14. Andrew Kellaway – 6
Smart rugby player with limited opportunities today. Showed excellent counter rucking skills at times to relieve pressure off his side.
15. Kurtley Beale – 5
The experiment of Kurtley Beale back in green and gold didn’t pay any great dividends today for the Wallabies. Yes, he had some flashy moments in attack but it all accumulated to not much. Made a superb try-saving tackle but also made a poor defensive read not laying hand on English fullback Freddie Steward who swerved past him to score.
Replacements:
16. Tolu Latu – 5
Probably should have come on much earlier as the Wallabies could have done with his work over the ball. Lucky to not get pinged for a no arms tackle.
17. Tom Robertson – N/A
Came on late, didn’t see enough.
18. Oliver Hoskins* – 5.5
He went alright in his first cap. Scrum was solid and mixed it up in the defensive line.
19. Will Skelton – 5
Not enough impact.
20. Pete Samu – 5.5
Had a hard job doing what Michael Hooper does for the team but had some quality involvements in tight.
21. Tate McDermott – N/A
Came on late.
22. Noah Lolesio – N/A
Came on late.
23. Izaia Perese – 5.5
Looked determined in his few late involvements and might get a start next week?
By Nick Turnbull, @RugbyPass
