If there were any positives from England losing to Fiji in their final game before the Rugby World Cup, it was in Alex Mitchell’s performance.
The scrum-half battled valiantly to create a spark in a lifeless Red Rose attack that led early before crumbling in a 33-20 defeat.
Nick Purewal was at Twickenham to rate and slate the England players...
Freddie Stewart – 3
Uncharacteristically dropped two high balls, and under little pressure.
Max Malins – 2
Flattened by Semi Radradra and was quiet throughout.
Ollie Lawrence – 3
Two physical breaks aside, this was a difficult outing for the Bath man.
Manu Tuilagi – 3
Early prowess fell away as the Samoa-born centre faded badly.
Jonny May – 4
Took his try well and kept busy, but could not keep England in it.
George Ford – 3
Can pilot a team but does not have the licence to attack the way he wants.
Alex Mitchell – 4
The only positive for England. If he does not start against Argentina it will be criminal.
𝐌𝐚𝐲-𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧 @j0nnyMay bursts over for a trademark try out wide #ENGvFIJ | #SummerNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/7KK3qVKQXP
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 26, 2023
Ellis Genge – 2
Unable to set the aggressive tone the way he has in the past.
Theo Dan – 2
Such a talented player but all that melts away for players with England.
Dan Cole – 2
One of England’s finest servants, but at 36 England should have moved on by now.
Maro Itoje – 2
All the areas where he can excel, he did not even produce par.
Ollie Chessum – 3
Still finding his feet after injury but England desperately need him at full tilt.
History beckons 🤯
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) August 26, 2023
Fiji re-extend their lead with less than 10 minutes to go!
Watch the game's conclusion on Prime Video: https://t.co/3tOxvNtLh0 pic.twitter.com/LuWw9dN9pj
Courtney Lawes – 3
Deserved so much better than this on his 100th cap.
Jack Willis – 2
Bested at the breakdown, which should be his area of expertise.
Ben Earl – 2
No carrying threat, and could not dominate at the ruck.
Replacements:
Joe Marler (for Genge, 50) – 2
England fell apart despite the replacements.
Will Stuart (for Cole, 69) – 2
Another who could not make any difference.
David Ribbans (for Chessum, 69) – 2
No power from the hulking lock.
Lewis Ludlam (for Willis, 56) – 3
As earnest as ever but no ultimate positive impact.
Danny Care (for Mitchell, 69) – 2
Key knock-on after Marchant try had almost brought England back into it ultimately consigned the hosts to defeat.
Joe Marchant (for Lawrence, 52) – 3
Took his try well and looks sharp but could struggle to fit into the starting XV.
Marcus Smith (for Steward, 52) – 3
Nipped in for a score and offers an expansive edge.
