England
Freddie Steward Belted out the national anthem after being recalled and did everything asked of him aerially. Imperious in that regard. 8
Jonny May Is in the side to chase kicks and carried out the task with usual dedication. Didn’t offer much else on the rare occasion he touched the ball , though. 7
Joe Marchant Nervy knock-on from opening kick-off and barely touched it again but Steve Borthwick loves him for his work rate and there was plenty of that. 6
Manu Tuilagi Penalty against for pushing after England had done so well to stop South Africa maul but tackled hard as he always does. 5
Elliot Daly Tap-back from first high kick to win penalty and unsettled the Springboks aerially. Held up well in tackle but dropped a high ball. 8
Owen Farrell (capt) A classic Farrell performance. Barking orders at Curry to “hit him” and constantly in the referee’s ear but nailed kicks, including drop goal. 7
Alex Mitchell Lovely first-half kick-on to pin South Africa deep inside own 22 in the first half and crucial tap tackle on Kolbe. Carried out orders to a tee. 8
Joe Marler Eddie Jones said he should have started the 2019 final, and held his own at scrum-time. Gave away penalty but justified start. 7
Jamie George One wobbly lineout when England really needed a straight one. It was as close as they came to a try which would have made all the difference. 6
Dan Cole Won a cathartic scrum penalty near England’s line in the first half and they didn’t concede any when he was on the field. Demons exorcised. 7
Maro Itoje Set the tone for England by stealing South Africa’s first lineout and the crowd was singing his name after one telling turnover. 7
George Martin A surprise pick but an inspired performance from the 22-year-old. Excellent maul defence, thundered into Mostert and had a scrap with Reinach for good measure. 9
Courtney Lawes Another match in which he emptied the tank. Dived on the loose ball after a smart chase from Steward and a big turnover after Kolbe’s dart. 8
Tom Curry All over Reinach from the word go. Bloodied but unbowed and his presence was missed when he hobbled off with 10 minutes to go. 8
Ben Earl Has been England’s player of the tournament and here was another all-action display. Could not affect things as South Africa turned the tide, however. 7
REPLACEMENTS Ellis Genge (for Marler, 53) Scrum fell to pieces 3, Kyle Sinckler (for Cole, 54) Struggled against Nché 3, Ollie Chessum (for Martin, 53) Got stuck in 6, Billy Vunipola (for Curry, 69) N/A, Danny Care (for Mitchell, 53) Not as much control 5, George Ford (for May, 78) N/A, Ollie Lawrence (for Tuilagi, 74) N/A
South Africa
Damian Willemse Largely a bystander with England targeting the wingers with their kicks. Replaced by Le Roux soon after the break. 6
Kurt-Lee Arendse No opportunity to showcase his running ability and inevitably struggled under aerial assault. Jittery knock-on in second half. 6
Jesse Kriel Little chance to show what he can do with ball in hand and spilled the ball but played his part in comeback. 7
Damian de Allende Carried hard but not for as many metres as he would have liked. Both midfields cancelled each other out somewhat. 7
Cheslin Kolbe Clever dart down right from lineout move but on the whole was well shackled. Never gave up in the aerial contest. 7
Manie Libbok Was having a torrid time, shanking kicks with his left foot, then his right, before he was hooked in the 31st minute. Too much talent not to bounce back but you had to feel for him. 3
Cobus Reinach Failed to influence proceedings and was unable to show off his running game. De Klerk better suited to this type of contest. 6
Steven Kitshoff Did not get any change out of Cole at scrum time and failed to make many dents with the ball in hand. 6
Bongi Mbonambi Had a bad night when it came to the lineout, either not throwing straight or seeing his throws picked off by England , but stuck at it in the loose. 5
Frans Malherbe Met his match in Marler and as a result the Springboks were not able to gain an early platform from which to build. 6
Eben Etzebeth It’s not often he comes off after 46 minutes but it’s a measure of how England did a number on him that he made way so early. Booed loudly after exploits last week 6
Franco Mostert Will want to forget the double tackle by Earl and Martin but soldiered on to his credit. Incredible levels of energy to the end. 8
Siya Kolisi Penalty against in front of the posts and significantly below his usual high standards. Maybe that long-term injury is finally catching up with him. 7
Pieter-Steph du Toit Also gave away two penalties in the first half and was one of several who could not match last week’s intensity levels. 6
Duane Vermeulen Started with a fierce carry into Mitchell but was kept quiet thereafter. Part of a back row that was totally outclassed. 6
REPLACEMENTS Deon Fourie (for Kolisi, 51) Scrapped away on the floor 8, Ox Nche (for Kitshoff, 49) Improved things at scrum 9, Vincent Koch (for Malherbe, 54) Shored up set piece 8, RG Snyman (for Etzebeth, 46) Made a difference and took try well 8, Kwagga Smith (for Vermeulen, 51) Had considerable impact 8, Faf de Klerk (for Reinach, ht) Managed second half well 8, Handre Pollard Man of the match (for Libbok, 31) Should have started 9, Willie le Roux (for Willemse, 44) Touch too heavy down the left 7
