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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Spink

England 45-7 USA player ratings: George Ford shines in Red Rose thrashing

England gave USA a Rugby World Cup lesson in the clash in Kobe City.

Eddie Jones' largely second string side were dominant from the off, scoring seven tries through six different scorers to earn their second win of the tourament.

Captain for the evening George Ford produced a brilliant display at fly-half and got his team up and running with the opening try, before Blly Vunipola and Luke Cowan-Dickie added one each before half-time.

The second half was much of the same, as a brace for Joe Cokanasiga book-ended tries for Ruaridh McConnochie and Lewis Ludlam.

USA's John Quill saw red for a high and malicious foul on Owen Farrell, while a late consolation from his team saw them avoid the whitewash at the death.

Here are Alex Spink's player ratings...

Ford gave England the lead (AFP/Getty Images)

England

Elliot Daly

Not remotely tested defensively but cut swathes with ball in hand, loving the open spaces. 7

Ruaridh McConnochie

Not busy enough until taking Joseph’s pass to open try account. Needs to come looking for work more. 5

Jonathan Joseph

Produced moment of match with 360-degree dummy and spin out of tackles set up Cokanasiga’s try 8

McConnochie and Joseph combined well for the fifth (REUTERS)

Piers Francis

Lucky not to be pinged at kick-off for hit on Hooley but could yet be. Then ran up blind alley with numbers outside. 4

Joe Cokanasiga

Ran over Eagles captain with first run, claimed tries with two of his last. Not too much in between. 7

George Ford (capt)

Eye for half chance brought England’s first try and pulled the strings quite beautifully throughout. 9

Willi Heinz

Difficult start but Ford helped settle him down and keeping it simple paid dividends until Youngs took over. 6

Cokanasiga grabbed a brace (Getty Images)

Joe Marler

Looks a million dollars since coming out of Test retirement, huge plus for England. 8

Luke Cowan-Dickie

Two tries in two games and solid as teak at set-piece. Great to see from player who used to struggle with nerves. 8

Dan Cole

Saw off Eagles loosehead at first scrum, enjoyed becoming England’s joint third most-capped player. 7

Cowan-Dickie grabbed his second try in successive matches (PA)

Joe Launchbury

Brought early grunt to the party to put Eagles firmly on their heels. Others then cashed in. 7

George Kruis

Like Launchbury not interested in the fancy stuff. But delivered a clean set-piece against outclassed opponents. 7

Tom Curry

No rest for the wicked, not when you’re as good as our Tom obviously. Kept things ticking over nicely all evening. 7

Ludlam got off the mark for England (PA)

Lewis Ludlam

Such a willing worker, his try was deserved reward for another night of total commitment. 7

Billy Vunipola

Told Jones he wanted to play and responded with try before leaving fray at half-time, job done. 7

Replacements:

Ellis Genge’s busting run for England’s last try an indelible memory. 7

Ben Youngs went level with Jonny Wilkinson as England’s most-capped back. 7

Owen Farrell provided facial target for first red card of tournament. 7

Jack Singleton, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, Mark Wilson and Anthony Watson all also added value.

USA

Will Hooley 6; Blaine Scully (capt) 5, Marcel Brache 7, Paul Lasike 5, Martin Iosefo 5, AJ MacGinty 6, Shaun Davies 5; David Ainuu 3, Joe Taufete’e 5, Titi Lamositele 5, Ben Landry 5, Nick Civetta 5, Tony Lamborn 5, John Quill 3, Cam Dolan 7.   Replacements: Dylan Fawsitt, Olive Kilifi, Paul Mullen, Greg Peterson, Hanko Germishuys, Ruben De Haas, Bryce Campbell, Mike Te’o.

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