England legend Matt Dawson didn’t hold back after watching England’s autumn woes continue with a heart-wrenching 42-37 loss to Australia.
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
In a game full of twists and turns, England seemed in control, leading by 12 points at one stage, before finding themselves 10 points behind. Maro Itoje’s late heroics in the 78th minute put England ahead 37-35, but the final chapter had a cruel twist.
Jorgenson’s Last-Minute Heartbreaker
With time almost up, Aussie center Len Ikitau turned on the magic. He sliced through England’s defense and fed Max Jorgenson, who dashed over the line and pulled off a spectacular celebratory dive, leaving Allianz Stadium in stunned silence. England fans watched in disbelief as the Wallabies secured a dramatic victory.
“Rubbish” Tactics in the Spotlight
Dawson was fuming over England’s negative play in the dying minutes. On BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, he tore into the team’s decision-making: “I can’t lose sight of what an incredible try that was under pressure for Australia. England had it! How many times have England had the game under their control and they go back to this dreaded box kick? It gets them in trouble every single time. For 65 minutes, England were fantastic. In the last 15 minutes, they were rubbish.”
Where to Now for Borthwick?
That’s now five defeats in six matches for England. Steve Borthwick has serious questions to answer, and a clash with the world champions looming means it’s time for a major rethink. Will Dawson’s scathing words light a fire under the squad?
England player ratings vs Australia:
1. Ellis Genge – 6
A few hard carries for the loosehead, who lived up to his reputation as the ‘Baby Rhino’. He contributed to the attack well and helped set up England’s second score. However, England’s blitz defence often leaves Genge out of place and is targeted. Work needed.
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js2 . Jamie George (c) – 6
The captain had a decent performance, notably being involved with Cunningham-South’s first score. The lineout operated well but apart from that, George had a fairly uneventful match.
3. Will Stuart – 6
Much like his front-row counterparts, he went under the radar. England’s defensive issues cannot be attributed to one player so therefore, gets marked down on that.
4. Maro Itoje – 7
Itjoe is simply undroppable. Despite England’s defence being torn apart by the Wallabies, Itoje was able to make himself a nuisance and perform well. One of only a few who performed well today. A great try, full of power, to take England into a late lead was the highlight of his performance.
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js5. George Martin – 6
An uncharacteristically quiet game for Martin. The usual hard-hitting and no-nonsense second row was unable to match the high-pace at which the game was played and could not make an impact. Replaced by Isiekwe for the last 20 minutes.
6. Chandler Cunningham-South – 6
The huge backrower had a dream start to the game. Two quick tries, one of which showed his brute strength. But it was all downhill for Cunningham-South since then. A needless penalty given away for blocking and some slow work in defence gifted Australia set piece position and tries.
7. Tom Curry – 7
Curry was one of England’s standout performers on the day, despite going off in the 23rd minute after suffering a concussion. The all action flanker had a great effect on the match and was evidently missed after being forced out of the match.
8. Ben Earl – 6
The number eight was livewire and highly energetic. But a few missed tackles contributed to England’s overall poor defence. A few strong carries did give England forward momentum so not all bad for the Saracens man.
9. Ben Spencer – 6
Spencer was organised and structurally sound but the lack of quick ball out of the ruck cost England dearly. Once replaced by Randall, England were able to speed their ball up.
10. Marcus Smith – 9
Simply magic. Smith was easily England’s best player and single-handedly brought them back into the game. Two great grubber kicks handed Sleightholme scores and he ran the show well. Outstanding performance.
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js11. Tommy Freeman – 6
Freeman had a quiet game but did not put a foot wrong. A couple of takes under the high ball but he did not contribute significantly to his side’s cause.
12. Henry Slade – 6
Swapping into the 12 shirt, Slade went a bit quiet throughout the game. It appeared that he was afforded less time on the ball and did not make much ground.
13. Ollie Lawrence – 6
At the start of the match, Borthwick’s decision to switch Slade and Lawrence seemed like a masterstroke. However, despite strong carries, Lawrence was unable to impact the game through his defensive work. Australia were able to break the line easily through the middle of the park.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 6
An unfortunate day for the young winger. He was explosive in contact but did suffer from a head knock and had to come off for an HIA. Brought off for Sleightholme early on in the second half.
15. George Furbank – 5
The full back was non-existent in the back line. Australia’s defence ensured that he was unable to get the ball and he was ineffective.
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
A welcome return for the hooker to an England shirt. A few smart carries and good lineout throwing but that was all Cowan-Dickie was able to offer.
17. Fin Baxter – 6
Baxter was up against it as soon as he came in with Australia’s front row sniffing for blood. He just about managed to hold his own in the scrum but could not help his side avoid defeat.
18. Dan Cole – 6
Much like Baxter, Cole was able to be fairly solid in the scrum but was caught out in defence. The blitz system did not work for England.
19. Nick Isiekwe – 5
England need a heavyweight second row so some blame can be shifted from Isiekwe. But, he did not offer much if anything to England’s performance.
20. Alex Dombrandt – 5
It’s unfortunate for Dombrandt, who has been so consistently great for Harlequins, as he does not fit into this England system. Ineffective and caught out too in both attack and defence.
21. Harry Randall – 6
Randall improved England’s attack tenfold when he came in. In partnership with Ford and Smith, Randall performed well and staked his claim for the starting 9 shirt.
22. George Ford – 6
Ford did not have much to do with Marcus Smith running the show but he offered a calm head in what was a chaotic game. A few smart kicks and the Sale Sharks man did not put a foot wrong.
23. Ollie Sleightholme – 8
What an introduction to the Twickenham faithful! Unbelievable pace and great feet to score two tries. He offered what the rest of his team, bar Smith, could not. A dream performance for the winger who will hope to be involved next week against the Springboks.
