Match recap and context
England put in a convincing performance to defeat Australia 25-7, reinforcing the message that Steve Borthwick’s side is building momentum ahead of the season’s key fixtures. From the opening whistle, the pack showed cohesion, the defence was disciplined, and the attack clicked when it mattered. The result extended England’s confidence while casting questions over the Wallabies’ execution in critical moments.
With a comprehensive victory, fans and pundits are turning to the individual performances that shaped the game. Below is a breakdown of how England’s players fared, with the emphasis on consistency, decision-making, and game impact rather than raw statistics alone.
Player ratings: England v Australia
Note: Ratings are indicative of overall influence, execution under pressure, and contribution to the team’s method. Where applicable, positions reflect the starting lineup and notable substitutions.
15. Freddie Steward
Steward contributed solidly under pressure, providing reliable catching and line-speed in defence. While not his strongest outing, he executed his role within England’s structured plan and offered steady distribution when options were tight.
14. Elliot Daly (if selected) / Alternative wing
An important balance in England’s back field, the wing position delivered with intelligent evasions and safe handling. Daly’s timing in backfield support helped maintain tempo and offered a steady fallback option when chasers pressed the line.
13. Henry Slade / Owen Farrell (if versatile)
With the outside options pressing the line, the midfield unit demonstrated calm decision-making and accurate contact skills. Communication between the halves and midfield was a key driver in England’s attacking phases, ensuring clean ball for the wingers and crash-ball options when space appeared.
12. Max Malins / George Ford (versatility noted)
Malins’ versatility allowed England to pivot through tactical phases, keeping the Wallabies guessing on defensive alignments. When the press came, careful backline recognition and effective kicking kept England in the ascendancy.
11. Henry Arundell / wings
Arundell’s pace threatened the edge, and his ability to stretch Australia’s defence helped open pockets for teammates. He maintained a high work rate, contributing to both attack and defence with energy and commitment.
10. Marcus Smith / Dan Robson (scrum-half)
The halves partnership offered tempo and precision in their service. Smith’s distribution was decisive in the attacking mov es, combining with the forward pack to generate momentum and keep pressure on the Wallabies’ defence.
9. Ben White / scrum-half alternatives
Quick decision-making from the base of the scrum and breakdown ensured minimal slow-downs in England’s play. White’s tactical kicking and link-up play helped maintain field position in key phases.
8. Jack Willis / Tom Curry (ball-carrying)
The back row supplied physicality and carries that kept Australia on the back foot. Lineout work and ruck presence were instrumental in England maintaining pressure as the game progressed.
7. Courtney Lawes / Tom Curry
Laws’ leadership and Curry’s intensity around the rucks anchored England’s defence while providing a platform for turnovers and quick ball when the opportunity arose.
6. Billy Vunipola / forwards
When England attacked, the forward pack showed compact support lines and effective maul function. Vunipola’s carry work was valuable in short-yardage situations and in setting the tone for the set-piece battles.
5. Maro Itoje / lock
Itoje’s physical presence, ruck speed, and line-speed defence were standout features, underpinning England’s ability to shut down Australia’s attacking options and contest ball at the breakdown.
4. Second row / lock
The second row provided stability in the tight exchanges and contributed crucial lineout wins. Their discipline and precision supported England’s overall shape and defensive structure.
3. Front row, tighthead & loosehead
Front-row cohesion underlined England’s scrum performance and ball control. Strong scrummaging and accurate footwork allowed the backs to execute with greater confidence.
2. Hooker
Lineout throwing and general presence around the breakdown were key facets of England’s set-piece discipline, contributing to clean ball and controlled tempo.
1. Loosehead
The engine room of England’s pack, this player’s work-rate, tackle efficiency, and ball-carrying ability set the tone for the forward effort throughout the match.
What did England do well?
The victory highlighted England’s improved structure, disciplined defence, and effective use of space. The plan to reduce errors, maintain tempo, and finish opportunities with accuracy paid dividends against a Wallabies side searching for consistency. The coaching staff will be encouraged by the balance between forward power and back-line execution, which should bode well for upcoming fixtures.
The next steps
Looking ahead, England will aim to sustain this level of performance and build on it with more dynamic attacking shapes and sharper decision-making under pressure. For Eddie Jones-era fans and Borthwick followers alike, the message is clear: the squad is maturing, and results like this provide a blueprint for how to navigate the season’s tougher challenges.
