4. Maro Itoje – vice-captain – 7.5
The England lock deserves to be on the England international team and today is proof of why. Itoje was strong in lineouts, and creating efforts with linebreaks within the game, he even tried is effort at a grubber kick but sadly ended it ended in the hands of New Zealand. His only failing attribute was fatigue seemed to get the better of him towards the end of the second half, but after 60 minutes of the four time World Cup winners if you’re not tired you haven’t ben trying.
5. George Martin – 6.5
A solid player in the scrums and defence, but he made some vital handling errors in the attack where the ball was seemingly easily stripped away from him and the visitors got possession back. The way he managed to maintain focus after errors was a fantastic point for the tight-head lock and he should still walk away from the game impressed with his effort, the only mark for improvement would be his handling skills.
6. Chandler Cunningham-South – 8
Chandler Cunningham-South saved the atmosphere of the Allianz Stadium. With a sensational tackle against Tumour Vaa’i, England regained possession and the 82,000 attendees regained their hope. Cunningham-South kept this hope alive with his constant attack against the All Blacks and keeping pressure where he could.
7. Tom Curry – 7
Returning to the game after a year out, recovering from a near career ending hip injury, what was deemed a risk pick for England, Tom curry looks like his hasn’t been out of the game! His height and drive in scrums was trademark for anyone watching.
8. Ben Earl – vice-captain – 8
Ben Earl never disappoints. He knows his role, he executes it, and throws in something special for good measure. In the first half he was relatively reserved, however in the second half he showcased his ‘something special’ with making runs through a forest of All Black jerseys and attacking their spaces, then never losing a ruck to them. No scores today for the England number eight, but he still made a solid impact to the team.
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan – 6
Theo Dan came on to replace within the front row, and his fresh legs made an impact for England in the rucks. However, though he is still a young player to the quad, after joining in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, that confidence may lack some magic to make a solid impact and stop the All Black from getting through and scoring.
17. Fin Baxter – 5
Fin Baxter also replaced the front row for England, and again being a young player that confidence may be lacking to create some magic. He did his job, but drifting across that line to get where the defence is needed would be something to work on for the next game.
18. Dan Cole – 6
One of the older squad members, Dan Cole came on with Dan and Baxter for the front row, and his many years of experience playing for England. Though being an older player he still doesn’t shy away form contact; putting himself in the ruck and often feeling the full force of the All blacks against him, he still stands and attacks again. Dan Cole might have been underused in this fixture, but in his short spell in the game he didn’t get the chance to showcase why he’s still involved in teh international squad.
19. Nick Isiekwe – 4
Only given three minutes, plus change, of playing time, it simply wasnt enough for Isiekwe to give a notable contribution to the game. He came on for George Martin at the 77th minute, but with Martins handling errors, would it have made more sense to bring him on earlier? Or is Borthwick concerned of Nick Isiekwe’s health with coming back to professional rugby after his dilated Aorta diagnosis. Either way, it’s inspirational how far he has come since his open heart surgery.
20. Ben Curry – 6
Ben Curry came on a little after the half way mark of the second half, and made an impact to the game. He won tackles and turnovers giving England possession straight away. Defence was definitely better than his attack this game, but with limited time to show his skills it’s no wonder there was some of his skill set not utilised.
21. Alex Dombrandt -5
Dombrandt came on around the 65 minute mark and that might’ve been the last we heard of him. We didn’t see much of his talent exhibited in his time on the pitch, but no doubt he will have more opportunities in the upcoming Autumn Internationals Fixtures.
22. Harry Randall – 6
Along with Freeman, and Ford, he struggled to match the momentum of Tele’a and fell short at defending the All Black try. Similar to the other replacements, it may have been a case of not having enough time to show off what it is he can do, but there’s still more games to come for him to be used.
23. George Ford – 5
George Ford came on with Harry Randall and took control of the stipulation with his leadership capabilities…for a moment. The damage may have already been done with England defence lacking within their 10 metre line, and Ford being unable to make that try saving tackle; he didn’t get low enough. For attempted to give a last minute drop goal to cause a huge upset for the all blacks, but it drifted to the right post and went past the sticks.
Can you name the top 100 mens capped rugby players of all-time?!
Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best. Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage. Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
