ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: George Ford steals the show

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ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: George Ford blows Argentina away, Jamie George turns in a solid showing at the heart of the team, but a night to forget for Tom Curry

  • George Ford blew Argentina away with a memorable kicking performance
  • Jamie George played well but Tom Curry only lasted three minutes on his return
  • Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings from England’s 27-10 win over Argentina 
  • Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

England began their World Cup campaign with a 27-10 win over Argentina thanks to a barnstorming kicking performance from George Ford. 

Argentina gave away penalty after penalty and Ford gladly lapped up the opportunities, converting six of those and kicking three drop goals. 

This wasn’t a perfect performance from England but it was solid enough and the likes of Jamie George, Courtney Lawes, and Ellis Genge all submitted strong accounts of themselves.

Tom Curry’s return from injury ended in a swift dismissal – and blood on the face and shirt of his adversary Juan Cruz Mallia, with whom he had a head clash.

Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings from a whirlwind night at the Stade Velodrome, courtesy of Adam Hathaway. 

George Ford’s outstanding kicking performance provided all 27 of England’s points and he was rightfully awarded Player of the Match

ENGLAND RATINGS

Freddie Steward – 6

Torrid time against Fiji a fortnight ago but back in the game here when England were on the back foot.

Jonny May – 6

Comeback from the dead in World Cup terms but did not get many chances to show his paces.

Joe Marchant – 6

Good defensively but we didn’t see the outside break he used so much at Harlequins. 

Manu Tuilagi – 6

One big carry in the first half but England will need from him in attack later in the tournament.

Elliot Daly – 6

Poor pass butchered a first half chance for Jonny May but kept his head in defence. 

Alex Mitchell was thrust into the limelight and did his best to inject tempo into the game

George Ford – 9

Rediscovered the art of the drop goal, with England under cosh. Great rugby brain and got his side ticking. 

Alex Mitchell – 7

From fourth-choice to first choice and did his best to inject tempo in a stop-start game.

Ellis Genge – 7

Had a crack at the Puma front rowers and it was honours even on his side of the scrum.

Jamie George – 8

England’s go-to set-piece man and heart of the team. Dependable and Steve Borthwick will be praying he stays fit.

Steve Bothwick will be praying Jamie George stays fit after a dependable performance 

Dan Cole – 6

Old King Cole keeps rolling on. First serious start since 2019 and did his stuff for the old brigade.

Maro Itoje – 6

He is getting there. Not the force he was in 2019 but the arms and legs are back. On the up.

Ollie Chessum – 6

Put in a big shift considering he has barely played for six months after a horror ankle injury.

Courtney Lawes (captain) – 7

Got England together after Curry’s sending off, one big turnover set the tone, Real leader.

Tom Curry – 3

Off since June after ankle trouble and harshly sent off after three minutes here. 

Ben Earl – 7 

Lively off the back of the scrum but needs to put the grubber kicks back in the locker.

Tom Curry only had a few minutes on the field and was harshly sent off after a collision with Juan Cruz Mallia 

Replacements: Theo Dan (for George 72.5), Joe Marler (for Genge 54,5), Will Stuart (for Cole 50, 5), George Martin (for Chessum 59,5), Lewis Ludlam (for Lawes 65, 5) , Danny Care (for Mitchell 59,5), Marcus Smith (for Ford 78, 4), Ollie Lawrence (for Tuilagi 69,5)

Argentina

Mallia 4; Boffelli 5, Cinti 5, Chocobares 4, M.Carreras 3; S.Carreras 4, Bertranou 5; Gallo 4, Montoya 6 (capt),Kodela 5, Lavanini 4, Alemanno 5, Matera 6, Kremer 5, Gonzalez 6

Replacements: Creevy 5 (for Montoya 69), Sclavi 5 (for Kodela 50), Bello 4 (for Gallo 62,4), Petti (for Alemanno 41,4) Rubiolo (for Lavanini 50, 4), Bruni 4 (for Gonzalez 59), Velez 4 (for Betranou 69), Moroni 4(for M.Carreras 63, 4)

Scorers:

England: Pens: Ford (6); Drops: Ford (3)

Argentina: Try: Bruni; Con: Boffelli; Pen: Boffelli

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FRA)

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