Australia player ratings vs England after their thrilling 42-37 victory over England at Allianz Stadium.
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In a match filled with momentum swings, the Wallabies showcased their attacking flair, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude that delivered a memorable win in the dying moments.
Despite trailing by 12 points early on, Australia stormed back to take a 10-point lead, only to see the match swing once more as Maro Itoje’s late try appeared to hand England victory. Yet, four minutes into added time, Len Ikitau found space and linked up with Max Jorgensen, who tore through the English defence and secured a dramatic, game-winning try, sparking wild celebrations.
Here’s how Ruben Picardo Ashworth rated the Wallabies in a performance that could be a turning point in their autumn campaign, as they delivered England their fourth consecutive defeat and continued their best run of form this season.
Australia player ratings vs England
Backs
15 – Tom Wright – 8
After a slow start, Wright grew into the game and showed his quality at fullback. His line breaks deep inside the Wallabies’ half eased the pressure, and his attacking support gave him an easy run-in for the first try. Although his attack stood out, his positional awareness in snuffing out danger was vital.
14 – Andrew Kellaway – 7
The winger showed real drive and energy, chasing kicks and offering himself in attacking plays. When he received the ball, it usually led to meters gained, and a superb weaving run led to a well-deserved try.
13 – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – 8
With all eyes on Suaalii, he showed the world he’s going to be a star. He got stuck in with the big names of rugby union and did not shy away. The 21-year-old has a great arsenal of weapons and looked like he’d been playing for years. He won many contests in the air and showed off his cheeky offloads, with one of them setting up his teammate. To top it all off, he picked up the Man of the Match award.
12 – Len Ikitau – 6
Ikitau’s work went under the radar as his partner in the center took the spotlight. He did not put a foot wrong and looked sharp in defense. His link play out to the wings gave Australia opportunities to turn the English defense onto the back foot.
11 – Dylan Pietsch – 5
A poor afternoon for Pietsch. He looked promising at the start but barely received the ball for the rest of his time on the pitch.
10 – Noah Lolesio – 5
The flyhalf did not offer much in this game and showed a lack of control and command from his fellow backs. However, Lolesio successfully converted four of his five kicks.
9 – Jake Gordon – 5
Much like Lolesio, Gordon was not a key figure in Australia’s victory today. He was where he needed to be but did not provide any key passes or runs for his side.
Editors picks:
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- Andy Farrell included on list of contenders to replace England boss Steve Borthwick
- Exeter Chiefs facing serious battle to keep hold of England star Henry Slade
- Secret girlfriend has broken her silence about former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg
Forwards
1 – Angus Bell – 7
By far the best front rower of the day. His strong tackles and direct runs gave the Wallabies a real foothold. A hard-fought 70 minutes for the prop.
2 – Matt Faessler – 5
Solid scrummaging and nice lineout throws were most of Faessler’s game today. Nothing notable happened for the hooker, but no mistakes were made either.
3 – Taniela Tupou – 4
The most capped and experienced player in the starting XV definitely had one of the poorest performances. A few penalties conceded, on top of getting caught out of position, allowing Marcus Smith a gap to run through, was enough for the head coach to get him off early into the second half.
4 – Nick Frost – 5
Frost was quietly effective, doing his required duties and roles but had no standout plays.
5 – Jeremy Williams – 6
The better of the locks today, again providing solid defense and work in set pieces. Williams scored a nice try down the left wing, showing off some silky footwork to evade the touchline.
6 – Rob Valetini – 8
Valetini will not be leaving Joe Schmidt’s starting XV anytime soon. His carries and drives always broke the gain line, and his eagerness to keep going was nonstop. A very important player for Australia.
7 – Fraser McReight – 6
McReight seemed to have a quiet match, but no major errors were made. He made his tackles and was around the rucks, causing chaos.
8 – Harry Wilson (C) – 7
Schmidt’s captain was one of the standout performers. His work in defense was second to none, and he carried the ball 16 times, totaling 77 meters. His work ethic is one of the reasons why Australia won.
Replacements
16 – Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 5
The hooker stuck to his role and kept to the basics. No major errors were made, and he scrummaged well.
17 – James Slipper – 4
Only coming on for the last ten minutes, Slipper did not have much to do. A few scrums were the only action the veteran was properly involved in.
18 – Allan Alaalatoa – 5
Alaalatoa was introduced early into the second half but did not provide much of an addition to the Australia squad. Much like Tupou, it was an average performance.
19 – Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 5
Just like many of the other replacement forwards, Salakaia-Loto did not stand out. He was shown on the big screen after crossing paths with an English back chasing a kick. An element of foul play but was not escalated.
20 – Langi Gleeson – 5
A head injury from Wilson gave Gleeson an earlier introduction to the game. He made his tackles and stayed in position, with no errors made.
21 – Tate McDermott – 7
McDermott looked the far better Number 9 when he was on the pitch. A minute into his introduction, he cleverly stepped past the English defense and assisted a try. This performance will give Schmidt a real think about who to start next game.
22 – Ben Donaldson – 4
Much like Slipper, Donaldson only played a short part of the game. A kick to convert the late try was his only noticeable activity.
23 – Max Jorgensen – 7
Unbelievable pace and power to score the vital last try of the game for Australia. His addition caused many problems for England, and this was what Australia was missing down the left flank in the first half. A wonderful performance from the Aussie.
