Player ratings: Back-row shines for England

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Following their 13-6 win over Scotland in their Six Nations match at Murrayfield on Saturday, here’s the player ratings for England.

George Furbank: An underused figure at Murrayfield despite his key role in patrolling the backfield on a day for kickers. 6

Jonny May: Thumped backwards at the kick-off but the Leicester wing ran hard and straight when given the chance. 7

Jonathan Joseph: Not a day for outside centres with dazzling footwork. 6

Owen Farrell: Missed three shots at goal but goal-kicking was an impossible task in this wind. His competitive spirit was needed. 7

Elliot Daly: Another player who struggled to make any headway and he sent one kick straight into touch. 6

George Ford: Twice sent the ball straight into touch in the second half and his decision making was off at times. 6

Willi Heinz: Neat and tidy around the forwards in a strong performance but his box kicking was disappointing at times. 6

Mako Vunipola: England have missed his power and his strength in the tight was key in wretched conditions. 7

Jamie George: Hookers were exposed by the wind at the line-out but he was a force in the loose. 6

Kyle Sinckler: One of several players to deliver a marked improvement on a frustrating day at the Stade de France in Round One. 7

Maro Itoje: Made a nuisance of himself – this was much better after his subdued outing in Paris. 8

George Kruis: Replaced Courtney Lawes in the starting XV and his physical presence was needed. 7

Lewis Ludlam: His hard words in the build-up to the game were matched by an all-action shift. 8

Sam Underhill: Embraced the pressure he knew was coming to be named man of the match. 8

Tom Curry: England ruled the breakdown in marked contrast to Murrayfield two years ago and Curry was key. 8

Replacements

Ellis Genge stepped off the bench to score the decisive try. Eddie Jones’ decision to name six forwards on the bench was a master stroke given the conditions. 7

 

England