Half Backs
10. Owen Farrell for Marcus Smith
Telegraph 5/10: “A promotion too soon? Probably. Solid enough in front of the uprights but gifted too many kicks to the waiting arms of Ramos and struggled to manipulate space.”
Rugby Pass 3.5/10: “Looked confused from the off, disorientation summed up by his head-scratching punt after England win a free at a scrum. That gave the French a soft mark to clear from their 22. His puzzled effort continued right the way through on a miserable evening capped by that gaffe of not touching down behind his line, allowing Ollivon to burgle his second try.”
Planet Rugby 3/10: ” Outplayed, couldn’t get the attack ticking over. The effort was there in so many instances, but it just wasn’t his night. Given the chance to swim with Owen Farrell on the bench but Smith just sunk.”
Mail Online 4/10: “Different player in an England shirt from the one who runs it for Quins.”
9. Alex Mitchell for Jack van Poortvliet
Evening Standard 4/10: “Failed to take control at the base of the ruck in a messy performance.”
Telegraph 3/10: “His job was to quicken the tempo but instead presided over a slow ruck and shanked a horrible box kick. Was hauled off for Mitchell minutes into the second half.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Very much a case of master and the apprentice, the rookie England scrum-half getting schooled by his oppsite number Dupont. Gone on 46 and not before time.”
Planet Rugby 3/10: “He was taken off just six minutes after half-time, and Borthwick would not have been blamed for doing it before then. The French pack put him under immense pressure, but he also made a few daft decisions on attack and made silly errors.”
Mail Online 3/10: “Too ponderous from base and replaced early in second half.”
Replacement: Alex Mitchell
Front Row
- Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
