England ended a run of five straight defeats with a 73-8 hammering of Fiji in their Nations Championship clash.
Steve Borthwick’s side ran in 11 tries to release some of the pressure on their head coach, but their opposition were awful and the result must be placed in that context. Henry Pollock rose from the bench to score a second-half hat-trick.
Daily Mail Sport rugby writer Alex Bywater was at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to rate the players.
ENGLAND
Marcus Smith – 6
Benefitted from Fin Smith’s cross-kick coming off the try-line flag to score. Makeshift scrum-half after the break.
Marcus Smith has had better days but he performed solidly as England’s makeshift scrum-half
Tommy Freeman – 6
Back on the wing where he should stay. Not his best game but far more involved there and needs space to be at his best.
Henry Slade – 6.5
Temporarily forced off for head injury and replaced by Benhard Janse van Rensburg who scored on debut. Returned for second-half try.
Seb Atkinson – 6.5
Showed more here, admittedly against weaker opposition. Nice kick through for Ben Earl should have led to try. Smashed by Levani Botia but scored.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 7
Brilliant acrobatic finish to score in the corner when he was given a rare chance. England need to use him and Freeman more.
Fin Smith – 8.5
Star man. Showed good intent by trying his luck with two early cross-kicks. Kicked well from the tee too and fronts up physically for a No 10.
Fin Smith was England’s star man as he showed his physicality and great kicking from the tee
Jack van Poortvliet – 6.5
Also felt the force of an ill-disciplined Botia but good work set up Atkinson. Had it easy as England’s forwards were well on top.
Ellis Genge – 7
Whatever he says in the post-match huddle, he’s one of the first names on the team sheet. Kicked by Simione Kuruvoli who saw red.
Jamie George (capt) – 7
Showed he still has athleticism to deny Vuate Karawalevu and then went up the other end to be driven over for a try.
Joe Heyes – 6.5
He’s been outstanding at the scrum this year but he coughed up a rare penalty. Replaced before the hour with Argentina in mind.
Alex Coles – 7.5
He’s an unheralded figure. Has lovely hands for a second row and isn’t afraid to do the grunt work too. Good source of line-out ball.
Alex Coles is becoming the unheralded star of England’s side with excellent hands for a lock
George Martin – 6
The physicality he brings to the tight five wasn’t needed here as it will be against the world’s best. Replaced by Henry Pollock who scored sublime second-half hat-trick.
Ollie Chessum – 7.5
England’s first attack in the Fiji 22 saw him win the ball before it was then dropped in the rolling maul. Important part of dominant forward effort after that.
Guy Pepper – 7.5
Spotted a gap through the ruck to pick and score. It was a nice appreciation of space. Justified selection ahead of Tom Curry.
Ben Earl – 5.5
Always a relentless carrier but dropped ball at the back of the maul and should have scored when he failed to collect Atkinson’s kick through.
Replacements:
Benhard Janse van Rensburg (for Slade 32-41, 7.5)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (for George 49, 7)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (for Genge 49, 7)
Henry Pollock (for Martin 49, 8.5)
Alex Mitchell (for Van Poortvliet 49,5)
Benhard Janse van Rensburg (for Atkinson 55,7.5)
George Kloska (for Heyes 55, 6)
Noah Caluori (for Mitchell 59,7.5)
Tom Curry (for Earl 61, 6.5)
Steve Borthwick earned a must-needed win after five straight defeats at England’s helm
Steve Borthwick – 7
Much-needed win ended run of five straight defeats but it doesn’t solve England’s ills overnight because Fiji were wretched. Selections of Pepper, Van Rensburg and Caluori paid off but there are far bigger tests to come. Pressure to start Henry Pollock will only increase from here after his magnificent treble.
