Eng v Aus: Aus player ratings
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:56
It was a fantastic win for the Wallabies over England at Twickenham, inspired by their ‘weak’ front row, but how did the individual’s rate?
With Stirling Mortlock leading the way the Wallabies recorded a fantastic result for coach Robbie Deans and rugby365 editor Pete Murison now casts his eye over all the Aussie stars.
Player ratings:
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper:
Got the decisive try and was secure throughout at the back for the Wallabies. Still growing into the role as first-choice 15 for Australia but will be happy with his display at Twickenham.
7/10
14 Peter Hynes:
Quiet day for the Queensland star but reliable as always out wide.
6/10
13 Ryan Cross:
Part of an outstanding midfield partnership he was perhaps guilty a couple times of running across his teammates with ball in
hand but defensively he was outstanding. A real menace at the breakdown as well Cross certainly played his part for the Wallabies.
7/10
12 Stirling Mortlock: (captain)
Captain courageous! Not the most outstanding first half but the second half was filled with powerful runs and dominating tackles. Very much the leader of the side he also showed his skill with the boot by slotting a long range effort to put his team seven clear with 15 minutes left.
8/10
11 Drew Mitchell:
Fairly dull day for all of the Aussie back three, Mitchell had few opportunities but is a very reliable player for the Australian side now.
6/10
10 Matt Giteau:
Provided 20 points with the boot and controlled the game when he needed to. Not at his creative best but got the job done for his side.
7/10
9 Luke
Burgess:
Not convincing. Too often not sure of what he was doing and can create pressure on his own team with his indecisiveness. Improved as the match went on but will surely be targeted by future opposition teams.
5/10
8 Richard Brown: (replaced by Palu on 44 min)
Reliable as always, a powerful runner with the ball in hand. Part of an effective back row for the Wallabies the trio forced a number of attacking turnovers which gave the Australians chances to break.
7/10
7 George Smith:
Nowhere near his brilliant best but an every present at the breakdown and reliable defensive weapon for Australia during times of English dominance.
6/10
6 Hugh McMeniman:
Good showing from the powerful back row. Strong with ball in hand and also a good lineout option.
7/10
5 Nathan
Sharpe:
The Australian strongman had another hard working day at the office. Part of a tight five which really stood but he will be happy with his effort in both the set phases and open play.
7/10
4 Mark Chisholm:
A workman-like performance from last weekend’s star in the Wallaby tight five. Now an established partner for Sharpe.
6/10
3 Al Baxter:
All the mid week talk and Al Baxter must still now be smiling. So much focus on the front row and, while they might have struggled early on, at the end of the day they were the dominant pack and any tighhead would take that as a moral victory of his own.
7/10
2 Stephen Moore:
Official man of the match Moore was a part of the impressive front row but was also a dominant player in the loose for the Wallabies. Providing a strong running option and resolute
defender he no doubt had one of his best days in Australia’s colours.
8/10
1 Benn Robinson:
Making mince-meat of Phil Vickery and Matt Stevens at times Robinson will sleep well tonight. Standing up to all the pre-match pressure and Australian fans will hope he will now prove to be the part of the solution to their long-held front row problems
8/10
Replacements:
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Matt Dunning
18 Dean Mumm: (replaced by Hugh McMeniman on 65 minutes.)
Not enough time to be rated
19 Wycliff Palu: (replaced by Palu on 44 min)
The powerful loose-forward made a real impact. A dangerous weapon both on attack and in defence, it is easy to see what Robbie Deans wanted from his man. A couple bone-crunching hits and strong runs gave the Wallabies a lot of momentum when
they needed it.
7/10
20 Sam Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Digby Ioane
How did you rate the Wallabies? Let us know...
