16. Elliot Dee 7.5 – Given a greater extended run than expected following an early upper calf injury to the returning Ryan Elias. Given a talking to by the referee after head-on-head scrummaging against Blamire. Dee eased into the match and was instrumental for the tide-turning scrummages in the second half. Singled out as ‘outstanding’ by Warren Gatland post match.
17. Nicky Smith 7 – Part of the front-row shape up that re-ignited Wales fire for the second half scrum. An instant impact up front Smith made good on his opportunity, and put his hand up for future selections in the unclear Gatland selection saga.
18. Henry Thomas 7 – Similar to Smith, a big impact off the bench and helped the front row success in the matches second half. There’s plenty of competition for spots in Gatland’s squad, and Thomas certainly did himself plenty of favours with a solid showing.
19. Ben Carter 6 It’s tough to fill the gaps left by Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones but this man gave it a good go on his opportunity. Helped in the line-out disruption, which saw England lose three in a row following personnel changes.
20. Taine Plumtree 7 – Given a good run out off the bench for his debut, Plumtree brought an All Blacks style flair to the loose forwards. The New Zealand U20s player showed great capabilities with ball in hand, and a strong engine to push his team forward. A solid debut.
21. Tomos Williams 6.5 – Overshadowed at scrum half by the try scoring Gareth Davies. Coming on just before the hour mark, Williams did the basics right in the hope of booking himself a ticket to France. Box kicked well in defence and attack.
22. Dan Biggar 7.5 – Taking over the reigns from Sam Costelow, Biggar levelled out the hot-headed eagerness as Wales began to get excited in attack. He ran the ship well and was key in orchestrating the maintained success over the gain-line.
23. Mason Grady – 7 It’s not often you see a winger slot in effortlessly into the back-row, but Mason Grady is big enough and skillfull enough to do just that. The verstaile winger came on as a forward, and almost scored, but was hit into touch by Ellis Genge.
ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS
15. Freddie Steward 7 – As elusive as ever, confident, and reminded why he’s considered the best under the high ball. Forced Wales to kick down to Cokanasiga and Marchant, and was one of the few players who performed well for the first and second halves. Did not falter much despite the score, and a player England can rely on. Gave all important chase to pressure Rees-Zammit into knocking on the try attempt.
14. Max Malins 6 – Off his best but kept his head up. Malins had his best match action in the first half, and linked up will in the back-three with Freddie Steward. Had to adapt to cover for Cokanasiga’s unorthodox defence, but kept Rio Dyer and Rees-Zammit quiet for the majority. (Replaced by Henry Slade 70th min)
13. Joe Marchant 6 – Dropped two kicks early on, but soon gathered his composure with neat line breaks. The Harlequins chemistry partnership with Marcus Smith worked well in the first half, to break into the back-field. Faltered into the second half along with many England players, but showed versatility when moved out to the wing.
12. Guy Porter 6 – Not seen too often outside of standard phase play. A hardworking centre, Porter achieved a good enough full 80 minutes, and didnt let much go by him. Its a tough pecking order behind Tuilagi, Lawrence, and countless other centre variations, but Porter put his hand up today.
11. Joe Cokanasiga 6 – Great to see him back in an England shirt, and hopefully future performances will see him showcase his talents out wide more. His best carry was at the expense of Rio Dyer. The powerful winger is an exciting tool for Borthwick’s kit. A little slow of the mark defensively, but kept Dyer quiet.
10. Marcus Smith 7 – Slotted all of England’s points, and linked up nicely with the strong Harlequins contingent on the field. He sent Marchant flying through gaps, and responded well to Care’s orders as a halfback partner. Fizzed passes and found hands, and with the exception of one knock on, Smith was again one of England’s better players in a losing team. (Replaced by George Ford 59th min).
9. Danny Care 7 – Close to his ever-green best throughout the first half. Serious contender to push on for a spot in the RWC with partnership with Smith. Played with a smile on his face, great to see him back in the fold and Harlequins prominence is exciting for England. Taken off too early, and his presence was missed in the second half turn-around. (Replaced by Jack van Poortvliet 49th min).