"A for Arundell" - Every England Player Graded After the Rugby World Cup Pool Stages

Steve Borthwick's men take on Fiji this Sunday, as the knock-out stages heat-up. This is a re-match of the recent Summer Nations Series match, which saw England defeated by the Pacific Islanders for the first time in their history (30-22.) Borthwick's side are out for redemption, and look like a far more confident outfit than the one which was beaten by the Flying Fijians back in August.

In this article, we take a look back over the past four matches of Rugby World Cup pool stage action, and hand out our gradings on every England player in Borthwick's squad. Some players made the most of their short time on the pitch, whilst others struggled to hit the top gears that they would have liked.

Here is every England player's Rugby World Cup pool stage performance graded, ahead of this Sunday's quarter-final run-in with Fiji.

2023 RWC Caps: 4

The Harlequins stalwart has made solid contributions in each of his pool stage appearances, that have predominantly come from off the bench. Marler made one start (against Japan), and presented his veteran instinct in the early scrum dominance. A key contribution saw Marler 'use his head', with an unorthodox assist for Courtney Lawes' try against the Brave Blossoms.

BEVAN RODD: D+

2023 RWC Caps: 1

The Sale Sharks loose-head has been Borthwick's third-string option for the number one jersey, with Ellis Genge and Joe Marler preferred in the tougher fixtures. Rodd started against Chile, and he ran out for 54 minutes, which saw him score a try in an all-round solid performance.

KYLE SINCKLER: C

The Bristol Bears man missed out on England's Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina with a chest injury, but made a full recovery in time for Japan in round two. Having jostled for his long possessed number three jersey with Will Stuart throughout the Summer, Sinckler's status as the go-to tight-head have dwindled slightly. A replacement appearance behind Dan Cole upped the tempo against Samoa, for a hard-fought England win.

2023 RWC Caps: 3

Three replacement appearances has seen England's hottest propping prospect fall down the ranks in Borthwick's eyes. The Bath man was running out stand-out performances over the Summer, with his World Cup outings packing as much punch, before he missed out entirely against Samoa. Still a decent showing on each occasion, with hopes of pressing on in the 2024 Six Nations.

Not needed in the dominant win against Chile, but Genge has been putting in big shifts on his three opportunities. The former England captain has taken a back-seat from leadership roles, with the pack leader now seemingly Courtney Lawes, which has allowed him to focus on his own game. Genge has lifted his teammates, with stampeding runs customary of the 'Baby Rhino'.

DAN COLE: C-

2023 RWC Caps: 2

Dan Cole's on-field performances have come in the form of two starts, as he took the number three jersey for the matches against Argentina and Samoa. This could be a case of Borthwick sticking with what he knows for the RWC opener, and giving the tight-head a run out in the dead-rubber Samoan closer. After solid performances and always emptying the tank, Cole's off-field RWC highlight has been his viral 'Stone Cole Steve Austin' impression.

2023 RWC Caps: 3

The most experienced of Borthwick's three hookers by a country mile, George has been given the upmost responsibility for the majority of England's matches. Given a well earned rest in the Chilean walkover, George missed just 16 minutes of the three pool stage matches he ran out for. The Saracen has been leading by example, with key contributions helping Steve Borthwick's side finish at the top of the pool.

2023 RWC Caps: 3

At just 22-years-old, Theo Dan enters the Rugby World Cup amongst the youngest members of the England squad. He has been relishing in the tutelage of Saracens mentor Jamie George, and has seemingly surpassed Jack Walker to become England's back-up hooker. Granted, two of his replacement appearances have been for less than 10 minutes, and he was an unused replacement against Samoa, but his two tries against Chile announced his intentions to the Rugby World Cup stage.

It's hard to give Jack Walker a fair rating in our system, as the Harlequins hooker has only racked up 26 minutes of game time so far in the tournament. Running on for a replacement appearance in the demolition job against Chile, the mission was already more than accomplished when Walker entered the fray. Playing third option behind George and Dan for now, Walker will want a big 2024 Six Nations campaign, as additional World Cup minutes look hard to come by.

MARO ITOJE: B-

2023 RWC Caps: 3

It has been an interesting world cup cycle for Maro Itoje. Comfortably in the conversation, and rivalling Eben Etzebeth to be the best lock in the world four years ago, Itoje has dipped in form in recent years, whilst the Springbok continued to improve. So far at the Rugby World Cup, the Saracen has played every minute of all three of his involved matches, having also sat out on the Chile win. Consistent in defence and his trademark breakdown disturbance, Itoje is climbing back up to the star-status he once ruled.

The hard-working engine of the England scrum, Ollie Chessum has been one of Steve Borthwick's top performers so far at the Rugby World Cup. The Leicester Tigers man has rightfully gained favour amongst the England selectors, with four consistent performances following his timely return from an ankle injury. A try against Samoa optimised his go-forward, as he picked up his England teammates for an eventual win.

GEORGE MARTIN: B

2023 RWC Caps: 4

22-year-old George Martin is another one of 'Borthwick's bolters' that have begun to come into their own in an England shirt. The Leicester Tigers lock has made good on each of his opportunities in the pools, with his former Tigers Head Coach picking him in every match day 23. Running out for 20-odd minutes against Argentina and Samoa, Martin made a cameo against Japan, but went for the full 80 in the triumph over Chile.

DAVID RIBBANS: C

2023 RWC Caps: 1

The South African born second-rower has made just one appearance at the Rugby World Cup so far, with England fans eager for more following a strong showing against Chile. Ribbans packed down the row with Martin, as the lock hierarchy has taken a clear shape in Borthwick's eyes. Strong success at the rolling maul led to two England tries, with his Toulon move possibly set to call time on his future England hopes.

COURTNEY LAWES: A

2023 RWC Caps: 3

Courtney Lawes has been nothing short of awesome so far in the Rugby World Cup. The laid-back Northampton Saint has adapted comfortably to his positional shift to blindside flanker, with England fans delighted to see that he is still flying out of the line for monstrous tackles. A true leader of men, Lawes has stepped up into a vice-captain/ pack leader role, and added a try along the way against Japan. Courtney new his laws, and acted first to score against Japan, despite claims for a knock-on when the ball bounced off Marler's iconic mohawk.

2023 RWC Caps: After making his return for a problematic ankle injury, all eyes turned to Tom Curry for his first match since the 2023 Premiership Final. However, less than two minutes into the opening match against Argentina, Curry was sent to the bunker after a head-to-head collision with fullback Juan Cruz Mallia. After sitting out the matches against Japan and Chile, Curry ran out for 63 minutes against Samoa, as England struggled to gain a foothold in the match. More is expected in the knock-out stages from the Sale Sharks man.

BEN EARL: A

2023 RWC Caps: 4

The Saracens back-rower has presented his adaptability for Borthwick, starring at both number eight and on the openside flank so far in the Rugby World Cup. Starting at the back of the scrum in the absence of Billy Vunipola, Earl had a star-making performance against Argentina, and set the tone for the rest of the England forwards with his now trademark penalty celebrations. Call it 'over-celebrating' or call it 'passion' you have to call Earl's performances impressive so far in France.

JACK WILLIS: C-

2023 RWC Caps: 1

Despite England fans calling for a greater inclusion for the flanker, Borthwick's rotational use of Jack Willis makes sense given his uncertain international future in France. Willis has made just one appearance so far, with the buzz around the former Wasps man seemingly wearing out in Borthwick's eyes. An 80 minute stint against Chile saw him grab a try, but an injury now sees Willis replaced by Sam Underhill for the knock-out stages.

BILLY VUNIPOLA: C

2023 RWC Caps: 3

England fans around the world were left in great debate, after Steve Borthwick named Billy Vunipola as his only specialist number eight in the 33-man World Cup squad. Those same fans then erupted with annoyance once Vunipola got himself banned for the World Cup opener against Argentina. The Saracen has returned well to the England fold, and has proven that he's still got plenty more to give. Heavy carries and dominant collisions have long been Vunipola's party-piece, with more of the same expected for the Fiji clash this Sunday.

LEWIS LUDLAM: B

2023 RWC Caps: 3

For a while, Lewis Ludlam was considered to be England best 'out-and-out' blindside flanker. However, Borthwick's decision to move Lawes to the back-row, has hindered Ludlam's opportunities to run out in the six jersey. The Saints man was pushed across to number eight for the match against Japan, yet made good on his chance to impress in a new position, by scoring a try and causing a general disruption against the Brave Blossoms.

BEN YOUNGS: D

2023 RWC Caps: 2

England men's record appearance holder, fans and pundits alike expected Ben Youngs to be Borthwick's first choice scrum half for the World Cup after Jack van Poortvliet's injury. However, the lifelong Leicester man has had a far more sporadic run than expected, with just 53 minutes of game-time coming from two substitute appearances. Youngs has certainly come a long way since his RWC debut saw him seal a win against Argentina in 2011, with Borthwick's eyes now turning elsewhere for the 124-capped veteran.

ALEX MITCHELL: A

2023 RWC Caps: 3

It was a bittersweet moment for Alex Mitchell, as after he was initially cut from Borthwick's Rugby World Cup squad, before the Saints man was re-called to the fray following Jack van Poortvliet's ankle injury. England fans were delighted to see Borthwick hand Mitchell a world cup start against Argentina, in what was a unpredicted and brazen statement of intent. Mitchell has since started against Japan and Samoa, having worked his way to becoming Borthwick's first choice nine with rapid quick-ball displays.

DANNY CARE: B

2023 RWC Caps: 3

Another face that England fans have been delighted to see get an extended run in the World Cup squad, Danny Care's inclusion came from left-field, with his last test match coming in the Autumn of 2018. The Harlequins legend provided England with a 'get out of jail card', as he characteristically sniped past the Samoan defence, to clinch a late winning try, to avoid an embarrassing loss last weekend.

2023 RWC Caps: 2

Where to being with today's most talked about England player? Farrell missed the first two pool stage matches, after another high tackle offence against Wales' Taine Basham in August. The Saracen returned to the fold at fly-half, and cruised to an easy win over Chile. Farrell then moved along to inside centre, to re-capture the magic of the George Ford-Farrell axis, that took England to the 2019 World Cup Final and won the 2020 Six Nations. However, the result against Samoa was less to be desired, with his positional future uncertain for Sunday's match against Fiji.

GEORGE FORD: B

The spotlight shone on 'Saint George' when the Sale man was given the nod to start at fly-half, in the Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina. Preferred to lead the line over Marcus Smith in Farrell's suspended absence, Ford channelled his inner Wilkinson, to slot each and every one of England's 27 points and secure the win over Los Pumas. His form has since plateaued, as England took longer than expected to become comfortable against Japan. A half hour stint in the Chilean landslide, the Farrell partnership drew a mixed bag in his latest run out against Samoa.

MARCUS SMITH: B

2023 RWC Caps: 4

Marcus Smith is like a loaded cannon on the England side-lines, that is ready to explode as soon as he crosses the whitewash. A definite difference maker in each of England's matches, the Harlequin has adapted well to full-back, having been pushed out of fly-half selection. Two tries against Chile presented exciting signs for the versatile playmaker, who bossed the match from his newly adopted number 15 jersey. After just 127 World Cup minutes, starting Smith at fullback against Fiji would be a bold statement, but he has a taste for scoring against the Pacific Islanders, coming as recently as August.

MANU TUILAGI: C+

2023 RWC Caps: 3

After a relatively slower run-out against Argentina, Tuilagi has progressed back into the bruising England ball-carrier than fans and his teammates know and love. The Sale Sharks man must have felt Ollie Lawrence's shadow looming over him, and kicked into gear after the Bath man finished the Pumas fixture stronger than how Tuilagi started it. Stronger outings against Japan and his birth land of Samoa, Tuilagi will be required at full force, as another hard-hitting midfield battle is expected against Fiji.

2023 RWC Caps: 4

The versatile Joe Marchant ran out a better performance alongside Tuilagi in the centres, than he did when shifted out wide to the wing against Samoa. Marchant's talents excel beyond out-right pace, with playmaking being an integral part of his repertoire. Marchant scored a nice try against Japan, and should return to the midfield for the knock-out stages. No doubt a covering option out wide, but Marchant should start in the 13 jersey.

OLLIE LAWRENCE: C

2023 RWC Caps: 4

After making a name for himself as Tuilagi's heir in the 2023 Six Nations, Ollie Lawrence's momentum was curtailed by an untimely knee injury over the Summer. Dropping down the midfield hierarchy as a result, Lawrence has had to fight to achieve game-time so far in the pool stages. Having run out for 127 minutes in four pool matches, including the full 80 minutes against Chile, Borthwick will likely include Lawrence on the bench for the match against Fiji.

ELLIOT DALY: B

2023 RWC Caps: 3

The personification of versatile, Elliot Daly has made a career of being able to cover almost the entire back line (with the exception of scrum half). Daly has again brought these talents to the World Cup stage, having run out on the left wing and at outside centre so far in the pools. The Saracen was a doubt for the World Cup after a nasty knee injury, yet recovered for strong performances, admist concerns of him missing the opening contest against Argentina.

MAX MALINS: C-

2023 RWC Caps: 1

An underused asset in Steve Borthwick's toolkit, Malins has only enjoyed 70 minutes of game-time, with each minute coming against Chile. The Bristol Bears man looks to be lower down the pecking order than he would have hoped, with Borthwick blessed with plentiful back three talents at his disposal. Predominantly a right-winger, Malins sole England run out so far showcased his adaptive nature, as he turned out on the left wing against the South Americans.

HENRY ARUNDELL: A

2023 RWC Caps: 1

Henry Arundell is nothing short of an anomaly in our Rugby World Cup grading system. The Racing 92 speedster has only made one appearance at the competition so far, but what an appearance it was. A faultless showing against albeit weaker Chilean opponents, Arundell optimised the adage of 'you can only play what's in front of you'. Five tries saw the ex-London Irish flyer equalise Josh Lewsey's record for most England tries in a single Rugby World Cup match, yet it was still not enough to get in the match-day squad for the Pool D closer against Samoa.

FREDDIE STEWARD: B+

2023 RWC Caps: 3

The man under pressure from Borthwick's positional altering of Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward has long been the 'safe option' to run out for England at fullback. However, the Leicester Tigers man faces a threat from Smith, and has been putting out confident performances to keep his name etched upon the number 15 jersey. Still widely regarded amongst the best under the high ball, and rarely gets brought down by the first defender akin to a prime Mike Brown, Steward is battling for his shirt, and brought out the best in himself with a try against Japan.

Closing out the squad is a man who just two months ago, did not think that he would be heading to France. Gloucester's Jonny May did not make the initial 33-man squad during the Summer, yet was kept around the squad in a tough-love 'first reserve' capacity. May's talents were called upon, as England's leading active try-scorer replaced the injured Anthony Watson at a moments notice. Three full 80 minute run-outs across both wings showcased Borthwick trust in the veteran winger, who is eager to find the try-line.