mens
nations-championship
England Player Ratings: England A produced an emphatic nine-try display to top it Argentina XV 59-24 at the Rec on Friday, two days before Steve Borthwick’s senior side produced a similar performance against Australia at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
The performance has already had ramifications at senior level, with five members of this England A squad subsequently called up to Borthwick’s group up front Nations Championship conflict with Japan. Noah Caluori, Max Ojomoh, Max Hicks, Jack Keningham and Tobias Elliott all stepped up, with Caluori and Ojomoh particularly influential in this nine-try win in Bath.
15 Joe Carpenter – 8
A relatively quiet first half compared to those immediately around him, but came alive as the game got underway. His break from deep and a perfectly timed pass set Tobias Elliott free for England’s eighth try, drawing the last defender before dispossessing the winger. Finished with eight tackles, a line break and seven tackles.
14 Noah Kaluori – 9
Extreme attack threat. He went over untouched for the first try after Atkinson made a defensive mistake, then struck again after England capitalized on his interception and Northmore kicked it into space. He carried a match-high 13 times, made three line breaks and beat three defenders, while his aerial work after the break again showed his athleticism.
13 Luke Northmore – 8.5
Top creative performance. His powerful break and pass denied Atkinson for England’s third try before his soft hands released Caluori for his second. He crossed twice after the break and beat six defenders with just six carries. Consistently found space and connected nicely with Ojomoho.
12 Max Ojomoh – 9
An extremely influential game at home. He timed his run outside Englefield perfectly to power over for England’s second score before repeatedly working as a second playmaker. His no-look pass as he spun around a defender for Northmore’s final try was the highlight of a performance built on excellent decision-making. Completed 16 passes despite being carried just four times. He was England’s main creative force and even put away Carpenter nicely in the build-up to Elliott’s try. An offensive screen with his fingerprints all over it, often showing off his elite handling. He should slot in nicely in the England number 12 shirt if Seb Atkinson is unavailable.
11 George Handy – 7
Provided plenty of involvement without the same scoring opportunities as Caluori. He made six tackles, a line break and two offloads and was instrumental in a strong attack that eventually resulted in Atkinson’s goal during the first half. Substituted after 56 minutes.
10 Charlie Atkinson – 8
Smooth mid-range performance. He drew a defender perfectly to free Caluori for England’s first try, converted five points and crossed after following a Northmore break. He finished with two defenders beaten from four carries and generally kept England’s attack going intelligently before being replaced by Searle.
9 Kyle Englefield – 8.5
Controlled England’s pace brilliantly in a screen player. His sharp delivery turned Ojomoh over, while his 50-22 loose ball set the stage for Kenningham’s score early in the second half. He also fired a pass that released Northmore under the post.
1 Archie van der Flier – 6
An eventful trip. His yellow card for illegally collapsing Argentina’s maul helped the visitors establish their early lead, but he responded well and later made a clean break in the build-up to Blamire’s attempted maul. He beat two defenders on six carries and finished seven tackles.
2 Jamie Blamire – 8
A strong performance at the heart of the English pack. Carried seven times, completed nine tackles and capped a hugely dynamic drive shortly after half-time, with England effectively sprinting over the line as Argentina struggled to contain them.
3 Afolabi Fasogbon – 7
A solid contribution before being substituted after 48 minutes. Carried four times, completed nine tackles and added an offload, providing plenty of work around the park as England gradually gained control after Argentina’s powerful first quarter.
4 Joe Batley – 7
Worked hard in the narrow before heading off after 56 minutes. Carried five times, beat a defender and finished five tackles, forming part of a pack that became more and more imposing as the match wore on.
5 Ben Bamber – 8
One of England’s busiest strikers. Carried 12 times – second only to Caluori among England players – and produced three offloads, more than anyone else on the pitch, with one straight from the kick-off. He added ten tackles in an athletic display that complemented the expansive rugby played out wide.
6 Ethan Roots – 7
Typical physical performance before substitution after 56 minutes. He carried seven times and made eight tackles, supplying some of the hard yards as England’s more expansive runners increasingly found space around him.
7 Jack Kenningham – 8
Lively show in the back row. He took a great corner to finish off England’s first score after the break with plenty of brute force to beat three defenders from six carries, including another strong carry in the phase before Northmore’s first try. Also completed 11 overs as England began to take firm control of the competition. Enough to justify a call-up to the senior team, where he could make his Test debut.
8 Fitz Harding – 9
Led by example with a huge defensive contribution. His 21 tackles were comfortably the most in the match, while he also had seven and broke the line in the build-up to Northmore’s first try. Relentless performance from the captain on both sides of the ball.
Substitutions
16 Nathan Jibulu – 7
17 Alex O’Driscoll – 7
18 Đorđe Kloska – 8
19 Tom Lockett – 8
20 Max Hicks – 8
21 Luka Friday – 7
22 Billy Searle – 7
23 Tobias Elliott – 8