AUSTRALIA’S PLAYER RATINGS FROM THE WALLABIES’ 33-13 RUGBY WORLD CUP WIN OVER ENGLAND AT TWICKENHAM:
ISRAEL FOLAU: Bombed an early try with a two-on-one blunder, spilt a couple of high balls but kept England defenders on their toes in a relatively quiet game from the John Eales Medallist. 6.5
ADAM ASHLEY-COOPER: A typically error-free performance from Australia’s most reliable back, making more metres than anyone and setting up Matt Giteau’s match-icing try. 8.
TEVITA KURIDRANI: Made a couple of big hits and some important defensive reads, but also missed two tackles and struggled to make a major impact in attack. 7.
MATT GITEAU: Kicked superbly for the line and in general play and used his 78kg frame to tackle courageously – and flawlessly – to help contain England’s massive backs. 8.5
ROB HORNE: Only lasted 10 minutes but was busy and strong in defence before being forced off with an arm injury. 7.
BERNARD FOLEY: Controlled the game brilliantly in his finest display yet for the Wallabies, breaking several point-scoring records with perfect goalkicking and two-try effort. 9.5
WILL GENIA: Had a box kick charged down and missed a key tackle but otherwise solid at the coal face and provided silver service to Foley. 7.5.
DAVID POCOCK: Dominated the breakdown, carried with vigour and drove the Australian scrum in another mighty display from arguably the world’s premier back-rower. 9.
MICHAEL HOOPER: The most energetic player on the field, terrorising England at the ruck and tackling his heart out in a signature 80-minute performance. 8.5.
SCOTT FARDY: Yet again the unsung hero of the Wallabies back-row with superb all-round effort in attack, defence and at the lineout. 8.
KANE DOUGLAS: Repaid Michael Cheika for the selection faith shown by the coach with a wholehearted 80-minute display. A strong presence throughout. 8.
ROB SIMMONS: The lineout general controlled the set piece superbly for the Wallabies after it malfunctioned in previous matches. 7.5.
SEKOPE KEPU: Hugely satisfying display from the veteran prop after suffering years of scrummaging heartache at the hands of England. 8.
STEPHEN MOORE: The skipper literally led from the front, topping Australia’s tackle count, throwing impeccably at the lineout and spearheading the Wallabies’ powerful scrum. 9.
SCOTT SIO: Conceded two of Australia’s five penalties but more than atoned with aggressive scrummaging and unblemished defensive effort. 8.
REPLACEMENTS:
KURTLEY BEALE: May have sealed a starting place on the wing after dazzling 70-minute display, combining brilliantly with Foley for one try and looking dangerous throughout. 7.5.
NICK PHIPPS: Lacked composure at times, placing Wallabies under pressure after being injected at key 60-minute mark. 6.
JAMES SLIPPER: The dominant Australian scrum lost nothing in the final 25 minutes after he was thrown into the fray. 7.
GREG HOLMES: Ditto as he made a seamless introduction to the Wallabies front row in the tense closing stages.
TATAFU POLOTA-NAU: No lineout wobbles this time for Australia’s capable reserve hooker. 7.
DEAN MUMM: Helped the Wallabies pack finish over the top of England after coming on with the match in the balance with 15 minutes to go. 7.
