England ratings: Youngs continues superb comeback but Tuilagi leaves field in disgrace after red card against Wales
ENGLAND kept their slim chances of a Six Nations championship win alive with a thrilling victory over Wales.
Tries from Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly looked to give the home side a comfortable lead, but the visitors flew out of the blocks in the second half before another score from Manu Tuilagi calmed it down.
He did himself no favours though by seeing red in the dying minutes for a reckless tackle on George North.
Here are SunSport’s ratings from Twickenham.
Elliot Daly – 7
Forced from the 15 jersey to the wing early on after injury to Jonny May but still popped up with a try. Solid.
Anthony Watson – 8
Great finish for first try to mark return to side and was outstanding throughout. Fast, elusive and quick feet – he was a constant danger.
Manu Tuilagi – 5
Sent off for tackling George North around the head late on.
Left the field in disgrace and covered in blood, but was outstanding until then and had easy finish for his try.
Owen Farrell (capt) – 7
Conceded needless early penalty and was constantly chirping at referee Ben O’Keefe but kicked brilliantly and guided his team well around the park.
Jonny May – 4
Played on for a bit after early fall but then left the field for a head injury assessment.
Replaced by Henry Slade who switched to full-back.
George Ford – 8
Excellent. Kicked nicely out of hand and a constant threat in attack.
Brilliant pass set up Tuilagi for match-clinching try.
Ben Youngs – 9
He’s had his critics but this was Youngs at his best. He played key role in Watson’s try from unusual line-out position.
Named the official man of the match.
Joe Marler – 7
Cheeky England prop pinched Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’ penis in the first half but did brilliantly at scrum time to win his team penalties.
Jamie George – 6
Not at his most prominent but still a solid shift at the coalface.
He was at the heart of a nice line-out move for Watson’s try.
Kyle Sinckler – 7
England’s big prop hope for the future went close to the distance here and it’s not often you say that.
Made amends for losing his head in Cardiff last year.
Maro Itoje – 8
What a Six Nations he is having. He has it all and would be nailed on as a starting Lions lock if the 2021 tour to South Africa was tomorrow.
George Kruis – 7
Intercepted in loose play and produced a rare kick ahead in the second half. Emptied the tank before making way.
Courtney Lawes – 7
Won early second half penalty and nearly decapitated Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones.
He’s not a man you want to run into.
Mark Wilson – 8
A machine and totally justified his selection in place of the injured Sam Underhill. Typified England’s brutal physicality up front.
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Tom Curry – 7
Smashed Dan Biggar early with help from Tuilagi. Still not a natural No 8 but that didn’t matter here.
Replacements
Slade 6 (for May 8), Launchbury 5 (for Kruis 58), Cowan-Dickie 5 (for George 58), Genge 4 (for Marler 66), Ewels 5 (for Lawes 66), Heinz 5 (for Youngs 70), Earl 4 (For Wilson 76), Marler 7 (for Ewels 76), Stuart 5 (for Sinckler 78).