Player ratings: Three standouts for Wales

Adam Kyriacou

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

15 Leigh Halfpenny: Started the game with the goalkicking duties, booting two penalties as Wales went close at the end to achieving a famous win. Struggled to make inroads against a solid English defence. 6

14 George North: Had few opportunities in attack but he ran strongly when he did. Solid all-round effort as he proved a point to his doubters. Was regularly a willing option. 8

13 Nick Tompkins: The Saracens centre continues to adapt well in the early stages of his Test career and has a bright future. So difficult to bring to ground and was a constant threat. 7

12 Hadleigh Parkes: Struggled to make a consistent impact on the contest, although he was strong defensively at Twickenham. 6

11 Liam Williams: Made his first appearance since the Rugby World Cup after recovering from an ankle injury but England marshalled him well. 6

10 Dan Biggar: Bounced back from a knee injury suffered last weekend for Northampton to score a try and boss the second half for Wales. Outstanding effort. 8

9 Tomos Williams: Made his presence felt around the forward fringes before being replaced by Rhys Webb just after half-time. 6

1 Rob Evans: Relished his return to the Wales starting XV after missing out on the World Cup and enjoyed the physical battle. 7

2 Ken Owens: Did all his basics impressively – set-piece and lineout throwing – but it was not to be for Wales on this occasion. 7

3 Dillon Lewis: Suffered an injury just before half-time and did not reappear for the second period. 6

4 Jake Ball: Another Wales player who unfortunately did not last the distance, suffering what appeared to be a shoulder injury. 6

5 Alun Wyn Jones: The Wales captain typically led from the front, particularly during a second half when his team were on the front foot. Visibly disappointed at full-time again. 7

6 Ross Moriarty: Gave everything that Wales head coach Wayne Pivac asked of him, running himself to a standstill in a typically workmanlike shift. 7

7 Justin Tipuric: Scored two tries and was a thorn in England’s side throughout the game. A major contribution. Such a gifted player who once again showed his pace in the wide channels. 8

8 Josh Navidi: His first appearance for almost two months, but it did not look like it as he excelled in all areas, warranting the decision to bring him back in from the outset. 7

Replacements: Pivac made early use of his bench and there were particularly strong contributions by scrum-half Rhys Webb and number eight Taulupe Faletau. 7

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