Four players England must drop – and who should replace them to face Springboks
11/09/2024 01:15 PM
England’s autumn campaign hit another devastating low as Australia pulled off a dramatic 42-37 win in a match that had everything: highs, lows, and a gut-punch ending.
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England looked in control with a 12-point lead, then found themselves trailing by 10 as momentum swung wildly.
When Maro Itoje crashed over for a try in the 78th minute, it seemed like the hosts had sealed the deal, moving 37-35 ahead.
The Jorgenson Effect
Enter Max Jorgenson. With just seconds left, Australian center Len Ikitau conjured some magic, slicing through the England defense to set up Jorgenson, who finished in style. The replacement wing raced over the line and launched into a spectacular celebratory dive, leaving England fans in shock.
Borthwick's Big Headache
After last week’s defeat to the All Blacks, England’s form is spiraling: six losses in 10 matches this season and four in a row. It’s the team’s worst run since 2018. Steve Borthwick now has major decisions to make, with the world champions
Henry Slade
Slade, as the backline's defensive captain, took heavy criticism for Australia’s success in navigating the blitz defense. While Rugby Pass mentioned the defensive responsibilities shifting to Joe El-Abd, Slade was expected to be the top defensive presence and fell short.
Telegraph 4/10: “As the defensive captain of the backline needs to bear responsibility for how easily Australia navigated the blitz.”
Rugby Pass 6/10: “Struggled in a defensive set-up that is now the remit of Joe El-Abd. Needed to be his team's best defending back but was unable to provide that reliability.”
Replacement: Fraser Dingwall, please
Tommy Freeman
Freeman couldn’t find the prominence he desired, drawing comparisons to the standout performances of others, such as his Northampton teammate Sleightholme. Both the Express and Telegraph highlighted the limits of his contributions in England’s current game plan, while Rugby Pass emphasised his lack of improvement from prior matches.
Express 5/10: “Again not as prominent as he would wish, will be envious of two-try club mate Sleightholme.”
Telegraph 5/10: “There is so much more to his game than just chasing high balls but you wouldn't know it the way England use him.”
Rugby Pass 5/10: “Needed an upgrade after his slow going effort versus New Zealand, but it didn't really happen.
Replacement: Ollie Sleightholme
Ben Spencer
Struggled to convince in the scrum-half role, even with accurate box kicks early on. Spencer showed some attacking flair, but his momentum dwindled, with the Telegraph highlighting some scragged runs and Rugby Pass pointing to missed defensive moments.
Telegraph 5/10: “Still not convincing in the No 9 shirt. Box kicking was generally on the money but got scragged a couple of times around the ruck.”
Rugby Pass 5.5/10: “Showed attacking skills early on; look at his pass off the floor to the supporting Freeman. But his display them got bogged down, something not helped by his early second-half box-kicking and not doing enough to tackle the try-scoring Williams into touch. Exited on 62.”
Replacements: Harry Randall or JVP
George Martin
Martin's early carry attempt failed to result in points, setting a tough tone. Criticized for not imposing himself enough, he was noted as England's leading tackler but struggled to handle the speed of the game. His slow reaction to McDermott's try was a particular sticking point.
Evening Standard 5/10: “Should have scored early on when trying to carry over the whitewash from a few yards out.”
Guardian 6/10: “Another who is not quite making the kind of impact we know he can. Went off gingerly midway through second half.”
Express 5/10: “Showed well early but England need more from their enforcer to arrest this slump.”
Telegraph 5/10: “A fast paced, end-to-end contest is categorically not his best environment. Was England's top tackler before he went off but was too slow to react to McDermott's snipe.”
Replacement: Nick Isiekwe or Alex Coles
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