HOOKERS
JAMIE GEORGE: B+
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.
THEO DAN: B-
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.
JACK WALKER: D-
2023 RWC Caps: 1
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.
LOCKS
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.
OLLIE CHESSUM: A+
2023 RWC Caps: 4
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.
