England v South Africa winners and losers as Steve Borthwick sweats and ‘world’s best’ Cheslin Kolbe throws his name in lights
Split with Steve Borthwick and Cheslin Kolbe.
Following South Africa’s 20-29 win over England at Twickenham, here are our winners and losers from London. Winners
Marcus Smith
The pivot is finally becoming that Test player that Eddie Jones said he would be. Throughout this one, he was a shining light for England as he linked the attack really nicely at times, kicked so well off the tee and controlled where the Red Rose played the game for the most part. There is absolutely no shadow of a doubt that Smith is the incumbent for England, whether or not Steve Borthwick will be around long to continue selecting him is another story but regardless he has become a top-class player.
Sam Underhill
We just cannot understand why he was taken off… Underhill is one of the few players in the world who is perfect to front up against the Boks; he runs hard, tackles even harder and has a massive engine. The flank was outstanding and deserved his try. Questions about his substitution need to be answered.
Will Stuart
On a normal day, Ox Nche turns to bulldozer and flattens anything in his wake but that was not the case today as the tighthead anchored England brilliantly today. He scrummed incredibly well all things considered. It is not the first game this Autumn he has shown his class so credit to him.
Wilco Louw
The massive prop certainly did not look at all like he had not played Test rugby in three years in what was a solid outing with a great scrummaging performance against Ellis Genge. If we are honest Louw is unlucky not to have been rewarded more for his efforts at the set-piece.
Grant Williams
RAPID RAPID RAPID! Williams is a nightmare to defend around the fringe of the ruck and Genge found that out as the scrum-half zipped through a gap to gallop through and score after leaving Freddie Steward at the shops with a beautiful sidestep. It was not quite perfect as he did make some unforced errors, however, his impact on the game cancels those out on this occasion.
Cheslin Kolbe
Arguably the world’s best. Kolbe is sensational, the way he stepped Steward in his first try whilst catching the ball was FILTHY. He also had a top step in his second try which was only the tip of the iceberg of all the good Kolbe did on the day. As described by his coach Kolbe is a “once-in-a-lifetime” player and it showed again. Simply lovely.
Rassie Erasmus
He just always finds a way doesn’t he? It does not matter how many forwards there are on his bench seven, six or even five Erasmus is still astute and masterful in how and when he deploys his bench which proved decisive yet again. How can he not be seen as the greatest coach the game has seen?
Losers
Steve Borthwick
Surely it is time to have a conversation about the head coach. Yes, he has improved England in many ways but is it enough? The Red Rose have now lost five on the bounce and quite a few of those are tactical errors from Borthwick. This week it wasn’t Smith being taken off it was Underhill, the centres don’t know if they are 12 or 13 and England has become the nearly men of World Rugby. At what point will Borthwick and his herd of vice captains be held accountable?
Ellis Genge
Not for the first time in recent memory Genge did not look himself. Whether it was struggling in the scrums, being skinned alive by Williams or the very few busting carries he had become renowned for, Genge is missing. This is not a question of his quality, let’s be clear that Genge is a superstar but he is off the boil at the minute.
Jack van Poortvliet
Brought in to kick well and quite simply, he didn’t. The scrum-half was rattled early on by Eben Etzebeth’s lanky arms charging down two of his kicks, one of which resulted in a try and he never recovered.
Henry Slade
Continues to be selected and continues to miss the mark. The major benefit that Borthwick sees in him is not translating to the Test arena. Of course, he did have some decent touches but answers are required for his selection.
Ollie Lawrence
The centre has struggled to replicate his club form on the Test scene of late and he was skinned by the Springboks pace several times in this one. To be honest it is not entirely his fault after being switched between centre positions each week.
Gerhard Steenekamp
He has some good touches but more bad than good in this one thanks to Stuart’s strong scrummaging effort. The yellow card didn’t help his cause either. It is one for him to forget but it was not quite one that threw him out the door.