England v Fiji player ratings: Genge limits the damage, Steward struggles badly

England’s dismal build-up to the World Cup reached its lowest ebb as they collapsed to their first defeat to a current tier-two nation by losing 30-22 to Fiji at Twickenham.

Jonny May raced over to seize an early lead but what followed will have shaken head coach Steve Borthwick as England were outplayed by a side they had dispatched in all seven previous meetings.

Waisea Nayacalevu and Vinaya Habosi touched down to propel Fiji in front and, although tries by Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant hinted that a seismic upset might be avoided, the Islanders had other ideas.

This is how the two teams rated

England

15. Freddie Steward

Ubiquitous in the warm-ups, the only player to start all four, but saved his worst until last. Could not catch a cold - admittedly in the midst of a downpour. 3/10

14. Max Malins

As ever, notwithstanding his footballing ability, doubts swirl around whether he offers enough of an individual threat out wide. On this evidence, he doesn’t. 4/10

13. Ollie Lawrence

Lined up alongside Tuilagi in one of England’s heftiest ever midfields and looked sharp before fading. And, will be disappointed on review to have kicked away a counter-attacking chance with May in acres in the first half. 5/10

12. Manu Tuilagi

Not the beast of old. The centre’s tussle with Semi Radradra was captivating but the Fijian and former Bristolian got the upper hand. One-dimensional. 4/10

11. Jonny May

The front-runner to replace Anthony Watson in England’s World Cup squad, May took his try smartly and was astute in the air. Why the wing was getting involved in mauls is anyone’s guess. 5/10

10. George Ford

Marshalled with vim and vigour early on and managed to maintain a degree of composure as the team crumbled around him. His play-making partnership with Smith at 15 offered hope, albeit paltry. 6/10

9. Alex Mitchell

Like Ford outside him, the scrum-half set the tone and tempo early on in his first start for England. As Fiji’s confidence grew, Mitchell’s was sapped. 6/10

1. Ellis Genge

Ironically, one of his better outings in an England jersey. Was harshly done by at one scrum, showed deftness in the loose as well as grunt in the tight. God knows what would have happened without him. 7/10

2. Theo Dan

The hooker’s first start for England, and was full of energy. Often like a wind-up toy, Dan was dynamic, dangerous, but not always in control. 5/10

3. Dan Cole

Did his job at the scrum in deteriorating conditions and did not put a foot wrong in the loose - but was hardly prominent. A problem position for England, given Kyle Sinckler’s injury worries. 5/10

4. Maro Itoje

Inconspicuous, in truth. England need more from him in all areas. Not the disruptive, omnipresent figure of yore. Needs to rediscover his mojo - rapidly. 4/10

5. Ollie Chessum

The lock’s first start since March, and it showed. A leading light in the Six Nations, the lock understandably needs time to get back to his best - which England do not have. 4/10

6. Courtney Lawes (c)

A disaster, as skipper, on the occasion of his 100th cap. The work ethic could not be faltered but there was scant impact - and reward - for the effort. 5/10

7. Jack Willis

The openside’s first start in this warm-up cycle, and he looked a touch off the pace. Quiet and assuming, two words not usually associated with the flanker, who barely managed a turnover. 4/10

8. Ben Earl

One of few individual positives in August, but there was not much to sing about on Saturday. Caught dawdling for Fiji’s second try and could not impose himself with the ball. 4/10

Replacements - 6/10

Marcus Smith’s conversion to a full-back is gathering steam, with the Harlequin making an immediate impact, scoring off the bench. Marchant, Ludlam and Marler added fizz, too - the former with a score.

Fiji

15. Ilaisa Droasese 6/10
14. Selesitino Ravutaumada 8/10
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (c) 7/10
12. Semi Radradra 8/10
11. Vinaya Habosi 7/10
10. Caleb Muntz 6/10
9. Frank Lomani 6/10
1. Eroni Mawi 6/10
2. Sam Matavesi 7/10
3. Luke Tagi 6/10
4. Isoa Nasilasila 6/10
5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidveta 7/10
6. Albert Tuisue 6/10
7. Lekima Tagitagivalu 8/10
8.Viliame Mata 7/10
Replacements 7/10