As we start to look back on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Rugby Pass has delved into the standout and struggling players in England’s campaign that saw them finish third.
In the spotlight for their stellar performances are Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, and George Ford.
Check out their full ratings here.See the top five strugglers below.
#5. Ben Youngs - 4/10
They wrote: "The England men’s record caps holder had a lovely Test rugby retirement send-off with a start in last week’s bronze final, but the tournament otherwise bypassed him as he was clear third choice in his position."
Ben Youngs of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#4. David Ribbans - 3/10
They wrote: "Another whose best work would have happened on the training ground, as team selection was beyond him. Now off to Toulon, so that’s it for his limited Test career."
David Ribbans of England during the Autumn Nations International Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham, London on 26 November 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#3. Max Malins - 2/10
They wrote: " It just simply never happened for him in France, a sole uninspired start versus the Chileans and nothing else."
Max Malins of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#2. Jack Walker -2/10
They wrote: "Was there very much just to make up the training ground numbers, his only appearance coming against Chile."
Jack Walker of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Harlequins and Saracens at Twickenham Stoop on 31 Oct 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#1. Billy Vunipola - 2/10
They wrote: "Borthwick claimed in August he had never seen Vunipola as fit but that wasn’t what transpired in France once cleared of the suspension that left him unavailable for the opener.
"His ball-carrying was ineffective, culminating in the game-ending knock-on versus South Africa, and he generally just didn’t seem to fit into what was happening. Look at his positioning when he replaced Curry against the Springboks and England conceded immediately from that lineout play."
Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.