England
Mike Brown, full-back, 6/10 A perfect start with England’s first try but unusually sloppy handling thereafter. Trademark run up the middle after the break but his distribution is still a problem. Either he does not pass or does so at the wrong time.
Jonny May, wing, 6/10 Took it upon himself to get involved, taking a lineout to himself before a mazy run and often cropping up at scrum-half – the usual barmy stuff, really, but to limited effect this week.
Henry Slade, centre, 8/10 Looks much more at home at outside-centre, where he has that split second longer on the ball. Still hasn’t managed the sort of all-star performance we hoped he might this autumn but vastly improved.
Alex Lozowski, centre, 6/10 Managed to dodge an attempted big hit from Vui but was levelled by Leiua and then Fa’asalele not long after. Did not shy away from it – he never does – and took try well. One or two mistakes along the way, though.
Elliot Daly, wing, 8/10 Kept his head up for Lozowski’s try and took both of his very well, each time stepping in off his left foot. His dander was up after his first and he continues to grow as an international winger.
George Ford, fly-half, co-captain, 7/10 His size makes him an obvious target but showed how robust he is when Matu’u injured himself trying to leave his mark. Clearly relishes the added responsibility of co-captaincy and played with real poise.
Danny Care, scrum-half, 6/10 Slick pass for Ewels’ try but not quite everything went his way, unlike last week, with a couple of half chances slipping by. Hard to escape the feeling that he is better suited to his bench role.
Ellis Genge, prop, 6/10 The message from Eddie Jones was to focus on the set piece first and foremost and he did win the first-half scrum penalty. Has sharp footwork for a prop but was limited to the hard yards before he was hooked.
Jamie George, hooker, 7/10 No problems at all at the lineout – dovetailing well with Itoje and then Lawes – and often popped up out wide. Very little wrong all match but remains likely to make way for Hartley during the Six Nations.
Dan Cole, prop, 6/10 A few touches – which is normally a few more than he wants – and the trademark penalty conceded. Rock-solid at the scrum, though, and made himself a nuisance at the breakdown.
Joe Launchbury, lock, 5/10 Could not reach last week’s heights as he was unable to hold Fa’asalele for Samoa’s first try and was replaced after 30 minutes with a shoulder injury. A shame after his heroics against Australia.
Charlie Ewels, lock, 6/10 A mixed bag. He spilled a restart, was on hand for a try, gave away a needless penalty but performed well in the lineout. He is worth persevering with, certainly, despite England’s riches at lock.
Maro Itoje, flanker, 7/10 A pick-and-go for Brown’s try and was his usual authoritative self at the lineout. Rose to the physical challenge as well. Put simply, if this autumn has shown anything it is that England are much better when he plays.
Chris Robshaw, flanker, co-captain, 7/10 He would never admit it but surely a cathartic experience back here with the No7 jersey on his back. No frills – when are there any with Robshaw? – but typical industry, and lots of it.
Sam Simmonds, No8, 8/10 Supposedly not big enough to play No8 at Test level but this was an excellent first international start. Not the largest but he is slippery and was among England’s best carriers. We’ll see him again.
REPLACEMENTS Dylan Hartley 6 (for George, 64) Could be in trouble for an elbow Joe Marler 7 (for Genge, 46) Smashed Nanai-Williams to earn a penalty Harry Williams 6 (for Cole, 57) Involved himself in the physical stuff immediately Nick Isiekwe 6 (for Ewels, 64) Rolled up his sleeves Courtney Lawes 8 (for Launchbury, 31) Usual excellence after early arrival Ben Youngs 6 (for Care, 57) Immediate understanding with Ford Piers Francis 7 (for Lozowski, 57) Set about his task well Semesa Rokoduguni 7 (for May, 47) Dancing feet and provided the final flourish
Samoa
Ahsee Tuala 7/10; Paul Perez 7/10, Kieron Fonotia 6/10, Alapati Leiua 5/10 (Reynold Lee-Lo 68 5/10), David Lemi 5/10 (JJ Taulagi 71 6/10); Tim Nanai-Williams 6/10, Dwayne Polataivao 5/10 (Melani Matavao 75 n/a); Jordan Lay 6/10 (James Lay 57 6/10), Motu Matu’u 5/10 (Manu Leiataua 31 5/10), Donald Brighouse 5/10 (Hisa Sasagi 47 6/10), Josh Tyrell 6/10 (Fa‘atiga Lemalu 62 6/10), Chris Vui (captain) 7/10, Piula Fa‘asalele 6/10, TJ Ioane 8/10, Jack Lam 6/10 (Ofisa Treviranus 68 5/10)
