England player ratings vs South Africa: 2023 Rugby World Cup

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In a thrilling showdown in Paris, England came agonizingly close to staging a remarkable upset and securing a spot in their fifth Rugby World Cup final. South Africa mounted a formidable comeback in the latter stages, clinching a dramatic victory.

England displayed astute tactics and unwavering commitment in the first half, peppering the South Africa backfield with a barrage of kicks, which led to a consistent stream of penalties. Owen Farrell expertly converted four of these penalties, propelling his team to a 12-6 lead at halftime.

The Springboks, however, made significant changes to their lineup in the second half. Despite a Farrell drop-goal extending England's lead and tantalizingly hinting at a monumental upset, RG Snyman's try ten minutes before the final whistle narrowed the underdogs' lead to 15-13. The turning point came when the Springboks' formidable scrum power earned Handre Pollard a match-winning penalty in the 77th minute. England's World Cup dreams were dashed in a heart-stopping encounter.

Scroll down for the England player ratings vs South Africa:

Most points: Owen Farrell - 15

Metres: Courtney Lawes - 41

Defenders beaten: Freddie Steward - 4

Tackles: Tom Curry - 16

Tackles missed: Alex Mitchell - 5

Turnovers won: Maro Itoje - 2

1 Joe Marler - 6.5

Selected to start over Ellis Genge due to his scrummaging strengths, and battled hard up-front against Malherbe. Had a great run-out on the loose-head for his first England start in 3 years. Gave away a scrum penalty for not rolling away after 9 minutes, and then again for being offside in the defensive line. Received a talking to at 47 minutes to hold the scrum back, with a few blemishes on an otherwise strong showing. (Ellis Genge, 52').

2 Jamie George - 6

Started the line-outs well, but let a couple of throws slip threw his fingers as the rain lashed down. Made an excellent turnover at the maul on 14 minutes, which ignited a big scuffle between the two sets of players. Removed Owen Farrell from back-chatting with the referee on 15 minutes, and a 36th minute line-out trick play with Maro Itoje worked, yet the subsequent grubber kick only found a Springbok hand. Not his best day at the line-out with uncharacteristic line-out throws not going straight, with the conditions taking their toll.

3 Dan Cole - 6

Quickest to react to a loose ball, with a key steal in the 13th minute. Won a powerful scrum penalty in the 16th minute, and gave Kitshoff a difficult day up-front. Was pushed onto the back-foot in the second half, as South Africa emptied their bench and the fresh legs had an instant impact. Like Marler, a massive contribution from the tight-head in the semi-final. (Kyle Sinckler, 55').

4 Maro Itoje - 7

Strong takes off the re-starts, and shone in the line-out. Itoje lead his side's arial set-piece and stole the ball from the Springboks as well. Let out a big cheer when South Africa were pinged for a not straight line-out throw, which whipped the England forwards into a frenzy. Got the upper hand on Eben Etzebeth, as the titanic lock vacated the pitch after just 45 minutes. Ripped the ball for a big turnover on 47 minutes, with the 'oh, Maro Itoje' chants ringing in full force.

5 George Martin - 7.5

Selected over Ollie Chessum with his dominant tackles a key focus of his game. Presented an instant impact as a ball carrier, and a real nuisance at the maul was key in suffocating the Springboks' physical game. Made a huge hit on Franco Mostert, and drove the former Gloucester lock back about 5m. Recieved some treatment early in the second half, as the hits tallied up on the Leicester Tigers man. Made another monstrous hit, this time on RG Snyman, which stopped any support and led to a breakdown turnover. (Ollie Chessum, 52').

6 Courtney Lawes - 7

Unlucky to be caught offside by Owen Farrell's clearance kick, but provided a strong presence in the line-out. Made a key turnover on the floor, as he outmuscled Manie Libbok for a 22nd minute steal. Made another huge turnover just three minutes later, as he was fastest over the ball, once Kolbe was chopped down out wide.

Returned from half-time with a heavily taped calf, and was half a step away from the second half tempo as a result. Impressed in the air for a 64th minute line-out steal, as he didn't need a lifter to pluck the ball out the air.

7 Tom Curry - 6.5

Great line-speed throughout the match, and embodied the do-or-die mentality that England brought into the semi-final. Quick over the ball, and supported his bigger ball carriers into contact. Taken off at 32 minutes for a brief blood replacement, as his nose was busted up in the physical fray. Relentless eyes-up scrummaging and made key tackles on Vermuelen, when the number eight picked from the back. 16 tackles with a bloodied face, Curry left it all out on the pitch. (Billy Vunipola, 68').

8 Ben Earl - 6.5

Tried his hand with some picks from the back of the scrum, with Tuilagi in-tow for a formidable line-breaking duo. Did not have the starring role that he had in the quarter-final win over Fiji, or the World Cup opener against Argentina. Made a strong 62 minute carry as he split the back-field, and battled to the very end with England left devastated at the final whistle.

9 Alex Mitchell - 6

Battled on valiently after being levelled out by Duane Vermuelen early on. Excellent box kicks in the first half, as he rolled with the punches as the scrum half target. Drew in Etzebeth to win a breakdown penalty, with the eager lock too quick off his line and pinged offside. Sent some nicely weighted touch finders and was comfortable under the high ball as well. Made an important tackle on Kolbe, as the winger looked to break away. (Danny Care, 52').

10 Owen Farrell (c) - 7

Borthwick's captain opened his points scoring account after just two minutes, and contributed every one of England's 15 points. Dominated Manie Libbok with the early kicking game, to such an extent that the Springbok's fly half was replaced after just 30 minutes. Was irate with some refereeing decisions, and gave Ben O'Keefe an earful too many times. He was marched back for a 10m penalty for his protesting, with Jamie George and Joe Marchant dragging him away from the official. Nailed an almighty drop goal on the 52 minute mark, and was a true leader to the very end.

11 Elliot Daly - 6.5

Won key battles in the air, and also secured penalties for his work off the ball. A 25th minute hit saw Daly cut Duane Vermeulen in half, with his skills imposed in attack and defence. He struggled to gain control of a slippy ball on a few occassions, but contributed well to the kick battle by pinning the Springboks under pressure.

12 Manu Tuilagi - 6

Backed up Ben Earl in a blockbusting line-break duo, and was caught in a 14th minute scuffle with Jesse Kriel. Was penalised for giving an unnecessary shove on the Springboks centre, that sent all 30 players on the pitch into a frenzy. This counteracted Jamie George's hard-worked turnover. Took longer than he would have liked to get a foothold in the match, but presented a relentless work rate in defence throughout the bruising contest. (Ollie Lawrence, 72').

13 Joe Marchant - 6

Solid early hits, as along with Tuilagi, Marchant was called into defensive action more often than getting his hands on the ball. Gave away a 16th minute penalty for being off his feet in the breakdown, and was unable to stop Farrell from sharing his opinion with the referee. Covered the loose ball well, but was amongst the bodies that could not halt the charging run of RG Snyman to the try-line.

14 Jonny May - 7

One of England's best defenders, as he did his job of keeping Cheslin Kolbe quiet. May ran hard whenever he lined-up a tackle, anf flew out his line with Courtney Lawes-like tackles. Good under the high ball, and evaded tackles when he made darting breaks. Reminded England fans as to why he is his countries' top try scorer that is still playing today. Made a great hit on Kolbe on the 64th minute, and was quick over the ruck to win a penalty at the turnover. Went on his own one too many times, with Steward at times ignored along the back three. (George Ford, 78').

15 Freddie Steward - 7.5

One of England's best players in the losing semi-final. One of his best ever performances under the high ball, with his task made all the lot harder in the wind and the rain. Ticked all the boxes that Borthwick was after in his re-calling to the squad.

Selected over Smith after the Harlequin had a brutal battering against Fiji. Great composure under the Boks’ kicks, as he recycled the ball despite being double tackled at 12 minutes. Swept well on the lower kicks to the back-field, with Kolbe and Arundse kept quiet enough in the first half. Great kick and chase on 21 minutes, to then tackle Willemse, with Lawes diving on the loose ball. Made collecting the tough kicks look easy, in the biggest game of his career.

Replacements:

16 Theo Dan - N/a (unused).

17 Ellis Genge - 6

A key element of the 'Borth Squad', Genge had an instant impact off the bench with rampaging carries against the Springboks. Made the charging carry that set the platform for Owen Farrell's drop goal, and had an early lead on Vincent Koch at scrum-time. However, Genge is unfortunately accredited with giving away the scrum penalty, that allowed Handre Pollard to slot that late match winner from distance. It could have been anyone, yet his knee hit the deck, and the referee believed it warranted a shot at the sticks.

18 Kyle Sinckler - 5

Not his best contribution off the bench, as the tight-head lost his scrum battle against Ox Nche. Gave away two scrum-time penalties in quick succession, with the Bristol Bears man penalised at 60 and 62 minutes. After a three minute run out against the Springboks in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, Sinckler will be disappointed at this chance of redemption.

19 Ollie Chessum - 6

Left on the bench in a rare substitute appearence, Borthwick preferred the added bulk of George Martin in the locks to start against the Boks. Chessum had a quieter run out than he would have liked, after such starring roles for England throughout an excellent tournament. Chessum presented a solid option in the air, as the 'Boks recognised the threats of Itoje and Lawes.

20 Billy Vunipola - 4.5

One to forget for Billy Vunipola, as he was slow to react to RG Snyman's break. The blame was pinned on the Saracen for the Springbok's try, with Vunipola taking a moment to adapt to the battle, after just coming into the fray off the bench. Given two run-outs against South Africa, which can hinder a player's mentality. Vunipola had a brief run for Curry's blood replacement, before an underwhelming run-out in the final 10 minutes. Presented an attacking option around the park, but it was too late for the number eight to impose himself onto the game.

21 Danny Care - 6.5

Had an instant impact off the bench, as he tried to lift the tempo with a quick carry up the centre. Supplied the ammunition to Owen Farrell's drop goal, and took over the box kicking duties well from Mitchell. Made a great hit on the much larger Bongi Mbonambi, as he sent the hooker into touch at 61 minutes. Was driven into touch by a trio of Springboks at 70 minutes.

22 George Ford - 5

Brought on for some last-minute drop goal heroics, yet the opportunity never arose for the Sale Sharks man. Watched on for the majority of the match, with his late involvement not reaping the rewards of his starring role against Argentina. Los Pumas await in the Bronze Medal match, which could well feature Ford for the duration.

23 Ollie Lawrence - 5

On for Manu Tuilagi for the last eight minutes of the game, the centre had little involvement in the remainder of the match in attack. However, the Bath man made a dent on the Springboks defensively, with some key tackles to stop the flow of attack. One of Borthwick's key replacement's throughout the World Cup, Lawrence could hope for one last run out in the Bronze Medal match before heading back to the Premiership.

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