Player ratings: Much-maligned Ben Youngs stars

Colin Newboult

England's Ben Youngs runs at Wales' Rhys Webb during the Guinness Six Nations match at Twickenham Stadium, London.

Following their 33-30 win over Wales in the Six Nations match at Twickenham on Saturday, here’s the player ratings for England.

15 Elliot Daly: Showed his clinical touch with the try-line beckoning to help England build an important lead. 7

14 Anthony Watson: Celebrated his first England appearance since the World Cup final with an outstanding finish. 8

13 Manu Tuilagi: The red card was perhaps a bit harsh considering North was only just off the ground when contact was made, but he was always a threat prior to then. 7

12 Owen Farrell: Ill-disciplined at times and looked close to losing his cool but his kicking from the tee was immaculate. 7

11 Jonny May: A collision with Leigh Halfpenny in mid-air meant his afternoon ended with a failed HIA. 6

10 George Ford: Kicked exquisitely and his final pass for Daly’s try was timed to perfection. 8

9 Ben Youngs: Reached 99 caps and marked the occasion with a man of the match display. 9

1 Joe Marler: Drew some laughs during a mass scuffle when he reached for the genitals of Alun Wyn Jones, but performed his core duties well, winning a couple of scrum penalties. 7

2 Jamie George: A rampaging force for England who relished the close quarter combat against old rivals. His best game in this year’s competition by some distance. 8

3 Kyle Sinckler: A quiet Six Nations by his standards ended with a good performance at the scrum. 7

4 Maro Itoje: Appeared to be everywhere early on but rolled up his sleeves when he was needed in the trenches. Once again an absolute nuisance to the opposition. 8

5 George Kruis: A wave to the crowd as he was replaced hinted this was his last England performance. If so, he finished on a high. 7

6 Courtney Lawes: A powerful roaming force for England who was typically destructive in all areas. 8

7 Mark Wilson: After four months spent battling a knee injury, he got stuck into Wales as if he had never been away. 7

8 Tom Curry: Making strides as a number eight and perhaps he does have a long term future in the position. 7

Replacements: Ellis Genge was sin-binned shortly after coming on and the bench was forced to fire fight as England were reduced to 13 men. 5

 

England