1. Ellis Genge 6.5 – Genge was back leading his side for the first time since the record-setting home defeat to France at Twickenham. He rallied his troops to keep fighting throughout, yet his best work came in the first half. The Baby Rhino carried well and had a good impact in the early scrums, yet petered out as the match swung Wales’ way. (Replaced by Bevan Rodd 70th min).
2. Jamie Blamire 6 A Tough second half at the office for Blamire. His day started off well, as England’s pack got the upper hand over Wales at the set piece. However he was slightly off the mark at the lineout, and was soon withdrawn as Borthwick shook up the side. (Replaced by Theo Dan 54th min)
3. Will Stuart 7 – Gave Cory Domeschovski a real challenge a scrum time. Caused England’s scrum penalty on 40th minute, with Marcus Smith adding before the break for a 9-6 lead. He was the best front row player England had today, and has put his name in contention for the tight-head spot, that has since been owned by Sinckler. (Replaced by Kyle Sinckler 54th min).
4. David Ribbans 6.5 – Doing the unseen work off the ball. Good energy at the breakdown, and hitting the supportive lines to keep defenders guessing. He was taken off for a Head Injury Assessment shortly after the second half, with the move later confirmed as permanent. Here’s hoping he returns to play in due course. (Replaced by Jonny Hill 45th min)
5. George Martin 7 – Played the full eighty minutes, and it was fair to say that he may well have run out of steam in the closing moments. Brilliant in the first half, it took three defenders to stop him in one huge carry after 32 mins. Bulldozer throughout the match, but didn’t pace himself.
6. Lewis Ludlam 7 – Pulled England’s width well with powerful carries outside the backs. His resolute defending was showcased once again, as England’s go-to Blindside Flanker hit hard and rucked harder. Still lacking the leadership in the back-row, and was pre-occupied with the debuting Tom Pearson. (Replaced by Tom Willis 54th min)
7. Tom Pearson 6 – All eyes were on him after months of anticipation for his debut. Pearson’s adrenaline saw him fly into tackles, as he seemed to revel in the pressure. He called for the ball and shook off nerves early on his debut. However he could well of done without being tackled back 5m by his opposite man Jac Morgan.
8. Alex Dombrandt 6.5 – Great line running, looping round the back off a lineout, pressure on the inexperienced partnership of Costelow and Llewellyn in the 10 and centre channel. Better than he was during the criticised Six Nations performances, but Dombrandt still didn’t hit the heights that he does week in and week out at the Stoop.