6. Courtney Laws (c)
Qualitative turnover of the England captain to win a penalty and generally just relentless physicality, helping to disrupt Australia’s mauls and rucks. Late sales when Australia threatened was vital. 9
7. Lewis Ludlam
Finished the season in flying form and unsurprisingly was England’s best tackler here. I’ve seen him less in the attack and that’s a shame, because he can also contribute in that area. 6
8. Billy Vunipola
Penalized early in the ruck and later again for no apparent release. Bounced back with good turnover to earn three points and while taking the brunt of wearing it, he was not explosive. 6
Replacements 8
Luke Cowan-Dickie (George 46), Mako Vunipola (Genge 56), Joe Heyes (Stuart 61), Nick Isiekwe (Chessum 67), Jack Willis (Ludlam 67), Jack van Poortvliet (Care 37), Will Joseph, Henry Arundell (Freeman 70)
Just for Van Poortvliet, who was excellent and should have started, they get a high mark. England looked much better with Van Poortvliet and he did well to set up Steward’s try, as well as stop Kerevi with a great tackle. Cowan-Dickie came on and produced two crucial turnovers. Mako and Isiekwe later produced big tackles.
Australia
15. Reece Hodge
In spite of his poor form, he made a comeback after a series of injuries. Put in an early pass to end an attack, but grew in the game and did well enough. 6
14. Tom Wright
Brilliant break and one-two with White for his attempt and then somehow unbelievably Freeman stopped in front of the defensive line. Australia’s best player and looked vibrant all over. 8
13. Hunter Paisami
Brutal runner when he gets going, but a caterpillar wasted one attack. The more time his partnership with Kerevi gets, the better, because Australia might have something there. 6
12. Samu Kerevic
Such a threat with his ball-carrying and he was constantly used by the first receiver. Superb wide pass freed Wright, while Australia threatened well on the right. Essential if Australia is to be successful. 7
11. Marika Koroibete
Do you want to try to tackle him? Off his wing and crashed through Porter leading up to Australia’s score and then swept across Care like a steam train. Like Kerevi, it offers so much in the future. 7