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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Simon Collings

England player ratings vs South Africa: Sam Underhill a machine but Freddie Steward struggles

Sam Underhill was superb on his return to the side - (Getty Images)

England suffered a fifth defeat in a row for the first time in six years after they were beaten by 29-20 by South Africa.

Five tries were scored during a pulsating first-half, with Ollie Sleightholme and Sam Underhill going over for England.

South Africa were lethal in attack too, though, and tries from Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe meant they were in 19-17 up at the break.

The second-half proved far more cagey and the Springboks edged a tight game to claim a victory that piles more pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick.

Simon Collings was at Allianz Stadium to see England in action...

Backs

Freddie Steward 5

Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.

Tommy Freeman 7

More involved than he has been in recent weeks, making a few bright carries. Proved a useful weapon in attack when competing for kicks.

Ollie Lawrence 6

Struggled against South Africa’s powerful centres when trying to carry. The high percentage of kicks did not suit him, either.

Henry Slade 6

Involved in the sharp move for Sleightholme’s early try. Unlucky to have his own try ruled out shortly after half-time. Missed tackle on Damian de Allende proved costly as South Africa scored a fourth try.

Ollie Sleightholme 7

Given his full debut after scoring two tries last week off the bench. Off the mark this time inside four minutes. Electric.

Ollie Sleightholme gave England the perfect start (REUTERS)

Marcus Smith 8

Sensational play for England’s opener when he dummied a drop goal to spark an attack down the left. One of England’s best players, again.

Jack van Poortvliet 5

One of four changes as the scrum-half made his first appearance of the autumn. Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.

Forwards

Ellis Genge 5

Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose - but not at his best.

Jamie George 6

Played his usual role of completing the first 50 minutes before coming off. Solid performance from the England captain.

Will Stuart 6

Fairly solid at scrum time against a powerful pack. Guilty of giving a few penalties away, though, including one just before he went off.

Maro Itoje 6

Penalty for dangerous play at a ruck cost England as Slade’s try was ruled out. Usually so dominant, but no match for the Boks power.

George Martin 7

His big carry started an attack that ended with Underhill going over. His best game of the autumn so far.

Chandler Cunningham-South 6

Could not recreate the fireworks he managed against Australia against a formidable South African back row.

Sam Underhill 8 | Star player

Brought into the side as Tom Curry missed out due to concussion and scored a try inside the opening 30 minutes. Tackled like a machine and tireless at the breakdown.

Ben Earl 7

Crunched early on by a huge tackle from Siya Kolisi, but didn't take a step back after that. Battled at the breakdown and carried well. Like Slade, he let De Allende slip through him for the Boks’ fourth try.

Replacements

Luke Cowan-Dickie (George 48’) 6

The line-out wavered a bit when he came on, but he was good in the loose and at the ruck.

Tom Roebuck (Slade 48’) 6

On as an HIA replacement and won a penalty within a matter of minutes, which Smith slotted. A handy cameo.

Dan Cole (Stuart 59’) 6

On for the final 20 minutes to bring some experience.

Harry Randall (Van Poortvliet 61’) 6

Injected some pace off the bench and almost went over when darting off the base of a ruck.

Fin Baxter (Genge 64’) N/A

Alex Dombrandt (Underhill 67’) N/A

Nick Isiekwe (Martin 76’) N/A

Replacements not used: Ford

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