England squad player ratings: Who impressed during Autumn Nations Series and who could have done better?

Sunday, 21 November 2021 at 08:24

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byRugby Rucker

England squad player ratings: The men in white completed the clean sweep during the Autumn Nations Series, beating Tonga, Australia at Twickenham in the last three weeks.

Eddie Jones' side showed their tactical versatility, smart game management and defensive solidity on their way to getting revenge following their defeat in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

Here, RUCK rates every member of the squad to play significant minutes on how they performed...

England squad player ratings (Best to worst):

#1. Freddie Steward - 9.5 out of 10

What an Autumn. Won back-to-back player of the match awards against Australia and South Africa as he dominated the skies. An incredible impact.

#2. Courtney Lawes - 9 out of 10

Tried to lead by example with his non-stop work rate. An England legend.

#3. Marcus Smith - 8.5 out of 10

Fear? What’s fear? For better as the series went on and played his hand perfectly against the world champions before delivering the match-winning penalty.

#4. Henry Slade - 8.5 out of 10

Out of this world. Had the courage to take matters into his own hands with a number of standout performances.

#5. Maro Itoje - 8 out of 10

Stood toe to to toe with the big Wallabies and Springbok forwards and emerged with his reputation enhanced once again.

#6. Jonny Hill - 8 out of 10

Followed up a tough Lions tour with three solid performances. Is starting to look the real deal at this level.

#7. Manu Tuilagi - 7.5 out of 10

Back fit and firing, he contributed plenty during his time on the field for the most part. It was disappointing to see him limp off after scoring a great try against South Africa.

#8. Jamie George - 7.5 out of 10

After initially being left out, the Saracens man roared back before limping off injured against the Wallabies.

#9. Jamie Blamire - 7.5 out of 10

The Falcons hooker was constant ball of dynamic energy and deserved to start the memorable win against the Springboks.

#10. Tom Curry - 7 out of 10

It is easy to forget that Curry is only 23. Needs to reduce the number of penalties he concedes but a decent bet to be England’s next captain. He looked much better on the flank than at number 8 though.

#11. Kyle Sinckler - 7 out of 10

Stepped up as a leader but had a few mixed performances. Still England's first choice tighthead and one of the best in the world.

#12. Ben Youngs - 7 out of 10

Solid but unspectacular. He's been a fantastic servent, but this is one position where England need to upgrade ahead of the Six Nations.

#13. Raffi Quirke - 7 out of 10

A vision of the future, but still has a lot to learn.

#14. Bevan Rodd - 7 out of 10

The doomsday scenarios about his inexperience never came to pass. A very exciting prospect.

Bevan Rodd of England is tackled during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#15. Will Stuart - 7 out of 10

#16. Joe Marchant - 7 out of 10

After starting on the wing, he was shifted back to regular midfield position after Tuilagi's injury and made the telling break for Quirke’s try. An excellent all-round showing from the Quins man.

#17. Adam Radwan - 6.5 out of 10

Bright in glimpses against Tonga but not enough to nail down his place and wasn't seen in the subsequent two tests.

#18. Max Malins - 6.5 out of 10

#19. Alex Dombrandt - 6.5 out of 10

A few impactful cameos, but it feels a waste that we didn't get to see him start a game.

#20. Joe Marler - 6.5 out of 10

Came on to a hero’s reception and just about held up his end of the scrum in his two replacement appearances.

#21. Ellis Genge - 6 out of 10

#22. George Furbank - 5.5 out of 10

Covered fly-half reasonably well during the opening match against Tonga, but didn't get a look in after that.

#23. Sam Simmonds - 5.5 out of 10

Would have been good to see him on the pitch a bit more. I don't think Jones really has a place for the Exeter man in his plans.

#24. Charlie Ewels - 5 out of 10

#25. Owen Farrell - 5 out of 10

The England captain would have hoped to play a much bigger on-field role. Unstinting team man as always but England actually looked a better team with him not on the field.

#26. Jonny May - 4 out of 10

Bit of a stinker all told. Started alright with a try against Tonga but two underwhelming performances followed. A couple of knock ons against the Springboks – the first of which will give him nightmares.