Player ratings: A sluggish display costs England

Adam Kyriacou

Following their disappointing 24-17 loss to France in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Sunday, here’s the player ratings for England.

George Furbank: A chastening debut for the 23-year-old. Early handling errors knocked his confidence, with the relentless rain showing no mercy to the Northampton Saints star. 3

Jonny May: Launched a one-man rescue mission in the second half with two wonderful solo tries. His tally against France is now six in three outings. 8

Manu Tuilagi: Showed glimpses of his trademark bulldozing runs in his 15 minutes on the pitch before injury ended his game. 6

Owen Farrell: Two simple knock-ons epitomised England’s first half. Stepped up after the break in an attempt to orchestrate a memorable comeback. 5

Elliot Daly: Struggled under the high ball and never got the room to trouble the French defence. Another kick sailed over the dead ball line to put his side back under pressure. 4

George Ford: Eddie Jones’ plan to put the French “in a box” relied on a kicking game from Ford that was almost completely absent until late on. 4

Ben Youngs: A flimsy tackle could not stop Vincent Rattez opening the scoring and was made to look almost cumbersome by his electric opposite number Antoine Dupont. 4

Joe Marler: Would have been licking his lips at the prospect of facing an inexperienced French front-row, but made no headway in the scrum nor impact elsewhere. 5

Jamie George: A couple of inaccurate line-outs in tricky conditions meant England were always struggling for a foothold in the game. Offered little in the loose and was substituted early. 4

Kyle Sinckler: Like Marler, could not stamp his authority on the French front three. Never given the platform to get charging at his opponents. 5

Maro Itoje: The Saracens man’s frustrations were summed up by giving away a mindless penalty towards the end of the first half. Attempted to rally the troops in the second half. 5

Charlie Ewels: Managed one line-out steal but, like many of his fellow countrymen, looked sluggish in comparison to the youthful hosts. 5

Courtney Lawes: Lost out in the aerial battle with Charles Ollivon that led to France’s second try. Showed his usual industry around the park. 5

Sam Underhill: Turnover count not what the Bath flanker would have liked as Les Bleus’ back-row sealed off thieving opportunities at the breakdown. 5

Tom Curry: Did not look the same player that took the World Cup by storm, with Gregory Alldritt, a year Curry’s senior, king of the breakdown in Paris. 5

Replacements: Jonathan Joseph agonisingly spilt the ball stretching for the line. Substitutions, especially Ellis Genge and Willi Heinz, gave England a lift and much-needed bite. 7

 

England