Eng v PI: Islanders player ratings
Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:56
A match with only a couple of highlights for the visiting Pacific Islander's means the rating won't make great reading for Mosese Rauluni's men but a couple certainly proved their class on the international stage.
Peter Murison rates the Islanders efforts:
15 Kameli Ratuvou:
The powerful Fijian had his moments, especially in the second half but probably should have been a more powerful part of the game – particularly given the open nature of much of the second half.
6/10
14 Sailosi Tagicakibau:
The Exile’s flyer is a dangerous weapon against any team and certainly gave his marker, Paul Sackey, a tough day’s work at the office. A couple nice hits on his club teammate Delon Armitage also proved his determination to the cause.
7/10
13 Seru Rabeni:
Scored the try from the his own chare down
of Cipriani’s kick but other than that the Tiger’s star will not have been too pleased with his afternoon’s work. Still struggling for match fitness he will no doubt get there but not a great day for the Fijian powerhouse.
5/10
12 Seilala Mapusua:
Certainly one of the world’s leading inside centre’s at the moment. Plenty of nice touches, creative playmaker for the side and also alert on defence. Tough to be on the losing side but another Premiership star who proved his international class.
8/10
11 Vilimoni Delasau: (Replaced on 61 by Epi Taione)
Quick, strong and dangerous going forward Delasau will remember the match for his poor effort to stop Monye in the England 22 which almost directly led to Cipriani’s try. His poor effort gave Monye the space for a 70 metre break and an important score for the home side.
5/10
10 Pierre Hola: (Replaced byt Seremaia Bai on 45 minutes.)
Very average display. Substituted at half time and not hard to understand why. Wasteful.
4/10
9 Mosese Rauluni: (Replaced by Sililo Martens on 70 minutes.)
When the Islanders looked dangerous it was Rauluni who was at the centre of it all. Inspired by facing some of this Saracens teammates no doubt he just probably didn’t dominate enough to really make a difference to the result.
6/10
8 Finau Maka: (Replaced by George Stowers on 19 minutes.)
Replaced within the first 20minutes due to injury.
7 Nili Latu:
Strong showing from the stocky No.7. Strong runner, clinical in defence – unlucky to have his try disallowed.
7/10
6 Semisi Naevo:
Fairly non-existent for much
of the game. While his flank partner made a difference Naevo will feel this game somewhat flew past him.
5/10
5 Kele Leawere:
Lineout options for the Islanders were poor and they will need to work on securing their first phase to really have a proper crack at a top side. Leawere is handy around th pitch but needs to play a bigger role in the tight stuff.
5/10
4 Filipo Levi:
Strong man in a bright yellow scrum cap – Levi toiled hard but for little reward.
5/10
3 Census Johnston:
A good showing from the big man. Never gave England an easy scrum and impressed with his efforts around the pitch. Probably not effective enough in the contact situations where he should be but not a bad days work.
6/10
2 Aleki Lutui: (Replaced by Sunia Koto on 69 minutes)
Average in the loose
play and lineout a concern. The Tongan No.2 battled manfully in the tight phases but struggled to make an impact.
5/10
1 Justin Va'a:
Good early pressure on Matt Stevens but lethargic in the loose play. Will not be over impressed with his days.
5/10
Replacements: (20 minutes to be rated)
16 Sunia Koto: Replaced Lutui on 69 minutes
Not enough time to be rated
17 Kisi Pulu: (Replaced Justin Va'a 61minutes)
Strong but added nothing to the Pacific effort
5/10
18 Hale T Pole
19 George Stowers: (Replace Finau Maka on 19 minutes.)
Early replacement due to injury Stowers actually did very well. Strong carrier of the ball he certainly took the fight to the England loose forwards.
7/10
20 Sililo
Martens: (Replaced Mosese Rauluni on 70 minutes.)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Seremaia Bai: (Replaced Pierre Hola on 45 minutes.)
Certainly improved his sides variety and creatively in the second half but also not clinical or quick enough to challenge the strong England defensive line.
6/10
22 Epi Taione: (Replaced Delasau on 61 minutes.)
Two runs - very little impact despite his strength.
4/10
What did you think? Are these rating fair? Let us know.
