England Player Ratings vs. Australia: Earl, Mitchell And Pepper Star
England Player Ratings vs. Australia: Earl, Mitchell And Pepper Star
England player ratings vs. Australia: Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Guy Pepper shine, as Steve Borthwick’s side powers to a 25-7 win in Autumn Nations.
England began its Autumn Nations Series campaign with a commanding 25-7 win over Australia at Twickenham, showcasing control, composure and forward dominance after a bruising opening half.
Steve Borthwick’s side built the victory on the foundations of a disciplined pack and relentless defensive work, outlasting a spirited Wallabies team that hung in the fight until England’s bench took over in the final quarter.
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The first half saw England dominate possession and territory without ever quite breaking clear.
Ben Earl’s opportunistic try, and George Ford’s penalty, gave England a narrow lead, only for Harry Potter’s 90-meter interception to bring the visitors right back into contention.
England led 10-7 at the break, but its power game and defensive shape never faltered.
From there, Borthwick’s impact players made the difference.
Henry Pollock’s one-handed pickup and solo finish swung the momentum, before Alex Mitchell’s quick-thinking snipe and Luke Cowan-Dickie’s 50th-cap maul try sealed the result.
England completed 188 tackles to Australia’s 106, and England's 94% tackle success underlined the control the team exerted over the contest.
Statistically, Tommy Freeman led England’s carries with 12 and 80 meters gained, while Freddie Steward and Earl each beat four defenders.
Jamie George topped the tackle charts with 22, and Guy Pepper’s 18 hits and breakdown presence defined England’s defensive edge.
Despite a few missed kicks from Ford, England’s overall performance spoke to depth and balance — a team growing in confidence as it begins its autumn journey.
England Player Ratings
1. Fin Baxter – 8
A relentless engine up front, Baxter landed 15 tackles and consistently won collisions against Australia’s heavy carriers.
His breakdown presence was a constant problem for the Wallabies, particularly in support of Ollie Chessum’s turnover early in the second half.
Baxter made four strong carries and showed composure under pressure when Edmed’s missed kick found him just before halftime.
At only 22, he continues to look every inch an England regular.
2. Jamie George – 8.5
England’s line-out general and defensive anchor, George completed a team-high 22 tackles and stopped a certain try on Angus Bell in the first half.
His throwing was precise, winning 94% of line-outs, and his experience held the pack together during key pressure spells.
He still finds energy for carries and offloads in the loose, proving why he remains the heartbeat of Borthwick’s forward unit.
3. Joe Heyes – 7.5
Heyes produced one of his best international displays, standing firm against Angus Bell and winning a crucial scrum penalty in the 27th minute.
His set-piece work released England from danger repeatedly, and his 13 tackles showed his growing defensive reliability.
Though not the flashiest tighthead, his stability and work rate were vital in setting the platform for England’s backs.
4. Maro Itoje (c) – 7.5
The captain led by example with 15 tackles and one turnover, constantly disrupting Australia’s maul.
His presence at defensive line-outs denied the Wallabies clean ball, and his composure under pressure steadied England when the game tightened in the second half.
Itoje continues to blend intelligence with intensity, controlling tempo and discipline in equal measure.
5. Ollie Chessum – 8.5
Outstanding once again, Chessum’s physicality and breakdown timing defined England’s control up front.
He made 14 tackles and consistently dismantled the Wallabies’ maul.
With his aerial dominance and smart carrying, he looks increasingly like a cornerstone of both England and the British & Irish Lions for years to come.
6. Guy Pepper – 9
Everywhere all at once.
Pepper made 18 tackles, smashed carriers and slowed Australia’s ball with relentless energy.
His ability to cover width defensively suffocated attacking space, and his collisions were consistently dominant.
It was a destructive, high-impact display from England’s breakout backrower.
7. Sam Underhill – 8
Underhill was typically fearless, halting a dangerous Australian maul in the 26th minute and contributing 14 tackles.
His strength over the ball created one turnover, and his physical edge at contact forced errors from the Wallabies pack.
Quietly, this was classic Underhill — ruthless, efficient and vital to England’s defensive integrity.
8. Ben Earl – 9.5
England’s man of the match combined pace and power, scoring the opening try off Roebuck’s aerial work.
He made 12 carries for 77 meters, beat four defenders and linked play superbly from the base.
Earl’s form continues to rise — he’s England’s heartbeat in attack, a modern No. 8 who can do it all.
9. Alex Mitchell – 9
Mitchell’s box-kick precision and tempo control were world-class.
He directly created England’s first try, made eight tackles and scored one himself with a clever short-side snipe late on.
Even with three turnovers lost, his dynamism and vision were unmatched. He’s firmly among the best scrum-halves in test rugby right now.
10. George Ford – 7
It was a mixed day for Ford, who controlled territory beautifully but struggled from the tee.
He kicked England into key positions repeatedly, forcing Australia’s backfield to scramble, yet his missed conversions kept the scoreline tight.
Still, his composure and defensive effort — 11 tackles — anchored England’s back line in structure.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 7
Electrifying in open play, the winger made 52 meters from six carries and beat three defenders.
His early break nearly led to a try, and his defensive work improved as the match wore on.
He's still raw, but his threat with ball in hand makes him indispensable.
12. Fraser Dingwall – 7.5
A tireless inside center who relishes the hard yards, Dingwall carried eight times for 43 meters, tackling 10 and linking well with Ford.
He’s becoming a quietly effective organizer in the midfield, ensuring England stayed connected on both sides of the ball.
13. Tommy Freeman – 8
A revelation in the centers, Freeman made 12 carries for 80 meters and topped the team’s offensive charts.
He beat two defenders and added a turnover, showing his physical edge in contact.
His balance of power and pace gives England’s attack genuine punch.
14. Tom Roebuck – 8
Superb in the air and strong on the chase, Roebuck’s 21st-minute take created Earl’s try.
He added one line break and one turnover, showing awareness and timing in both phases.
The Sale wing’s aerial command remains one of England’s biggest assets.
15. Freddie Steward – 7
Made 100 meters and four defenders beaten, reaffirming his consistency at fullback.
Apart from one poor decision before Potter’s interception, he was faultless under the high ball and solid in counterattack.
England’s backfield general once again proved reliable and calm.
Replacements
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 8
Marked his 50th cap with a classic maul try that capped England’s dominance.
His two carries and trademark aggression re-energized the pack in the final quarter.
As ever, his leadership and impact were immense off the bench.
17. Ellis Genge – 8
The Twickenham crowd roared as Genge battered the Wallabies scrum into submission.
His one carry was all power, but it was his physical presence and emotional edge that lifted England.
His late cameo embodied the forward grit England built the win upon.
18. Will Stuart – 7
It was another strong cameo from the Lions prop, who anchored the set-piece and made seven tackles.
His entry coincided with England’s scrum dominance. He was dependable, powerful and disciplined throughout.
19. Alex Coles – 7.5
Quick around the field and tidy in contact, Coles slotted seamlessly into the pack.
He covered both lock and back-row roles, making three tackles and one carry.
His versatility remains a huge asset to Borthwick.
20. Tom Curry – 8
Curry returned with trademark intensity, landing a monstrous hit on Tane Edmed and making 11 tackles.
His defensive aggression raised England’s energy level and reminded everyone what they’ve missed.
21. Henry Pollock – 7.5
Produced the highlight of the half with a one-handed pickup and sprint finish for England’s third try.
He made four carries, two defenders beaten and five tackles, though his yellow card late on blemished the performance.
The future is bright for the young flanker.
22. Ben Spencer – 6
Played just eight minutes but controlled the tempo and ensured England closed the game out cleanly.
His one carry and defensive positioning showed experience and calm.
23. Fin Smith – 5
Smith had limited involvement after replacing Ford late on.
He missed his lone kick at goal but moved the ball well under pressure.
It was valuable exposure for Smith at test level.
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