England player ratings v New Zealand: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso stars
England narrowly missed out against New Zealand at Eden Park despite scoring two tries through Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman. Telegraph Sport breaks down how the players performed in Auckland.
England
15. Freddie Steward
Caught in possession and spilled his first high ball but settled. Carried robustly and saved a try on the scramble. Beaten in the build-up to Telea’s second. 6/10
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Perhaps slightly naive for Telea’s try but another all-action outing. His own finish was a screamer as he capped a remarkable rookie season in style. 9/10
BRILLIANT TRY! 💥
What a fantastic move from England who answer back with the PERFECT response! 👏🏴 pic.twitter.com/hS8cjkbRjh— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 13, 2024
13. Henry Slade
Flung his first pass wide and was more understated from there. Deserves huge credit for stewarding the defensive operation. 6/10
12. Ollie Lawrence
It is not Lawrence’s game to be an imposing focal point from first phase and he fumbled twice in those situations. Did continue to threaten. 6/10
11. Tommy Freeman
Rather quiet in Dunedin, he produced big moments here. Chased down Taylor in defence and climbed superbly to score from Smith’s chip. 7/10
10. Marcus Smith
Skewed a drop-goal attempt and invited a counter with an over-hit high ball. Excellent otherwise. Two impeccable, try-scoring kick-passes, composure from the tee and a cameo at full-back. 8/10
Marcus Smith is on FIRE 🔥
England extend their lead over the All Blacks 💪 pic.twitter.com/AVSf8wGBIY— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 13, 2024
9. Alex Mitchell
Buzzed around the breakdowns, often servicing messy rucks, and hoisted high balls well. Telling that he was not replaced this week. 7/10
1. Fin Baxter
First Test start at Eden Park proved this 22-year-old is a special prospect. Withstood early pressure, volunteered himself as a carrier. Even forced a knock-on out of Savea. 8/10
2. Jamie George
Theo Dan’s misfortune caused the skipper to go the distance. Assured with his throwing, as ever, and topped England’s tackle count as he emptied the tank. 7/10
3. Will Stuart
Coughed up two set-piece penalties in the first quarter. Important work on the gain-line with deft footwork. 6/10
4. Maro Itoje
Did not so much disrupt New Zealand’s line-out as destroy it in the first half. Phenomenal for an hour, he hardly deserved to be on the losing side. 8/10
"It's tough to take, it wasn't good enough today" 💬
Maro Itoje reflects on another close defeat to New Zealand 😞 pic.twitter.com/ELXLCOA7Y1— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 13, 2024
5. George Martin
Robust carrying and muscular graft at the ruck were important. Will learn to be slightly more accurate at times. 7/10
6. Chandler Cunningham-South
Clattered with his first couple of carries but kept coming and defended strongly. Important target at the line-out, where he is improving. 6/10
7. Sam Underhill
Nabbed a vital early turnover, tiptoeing around the ruck, and epitomised England’s toughness in the tight exchanges. Key to breakdown improvement as well. Made way on 50 minutes 7/10
8. Ben Earl
Zippy carries were well marshalled again and he was penalised for a misjudged jackal. Did not fade, though, and racked up extraordinary numbers. 7/10
Replacements
Theo Dan (on for J George, 50-51), Bevan Rodd (F Baxter, 69), Dan Cole (W Stuart, 50), Alex Coles (Cunningham-South, 63), Tom Curry (S Underhill, 50), Ben Spencer (unused), Fin Smith (M Smith, 63), O Sleightholme (I Feyi-Waboso, 69).
Tom Curry was more measured than during the first Test but Fin Smith’s attacking kicks were brilliantly covered by Beauden Barrett. Ollie Sleightholme will be a star. Scrummaging inferiority hurt and, overall, the All Blacks replacements offered more impact. 6/10.
New Zealand ratings
15. Stephen Perofeta 7, 14. Sevu Reece 6, 13. Rieko Ioane 6, 12. Jordie Barrett 7, 11. Mark Telea 8, 10. Damian McKenzie 7, 9. Finlay Christie 7; 1. Ethan de Groot 8, 2. Codie Taylor 6, 3. Tyrel Lomax 7, 4. Scott Barrett 7, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu 6, 6. Samipeni Finau 6, 7. Dalton Papali’i 6, 8. Ardie Savea 8.
Replacements: 9.