ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: George Ford blew Argentina away, Jamie George delivers a solid performance at the heart of the team, but for Tom Curry it was a night to forget
England began their World Cup campaign with a 27-10 victory over Argentina thanks to a stunning shooting performance from George Ford.
Argentina gave away penalty after penalty and Ford happily took advantage of the chances, converting six of them and scoring three drop goals.
It wasn’t a perfect performance from England, but it was solid enough and the likes of Jamie George, Courtney Lawes and Ellis Genge all put in a convincing record.
Tom Curry’s return from injury ended with a quick dismissal – and blood on the face and jersey of his opponent Juan Cruz Mallia, with whom he had a head fight.
Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings from a turbulent night at the Stade Velodrome, courtesy of Adam Hathaway.
George Ford’s outstanding kicking performance earned England all 27 points and he was rightly named man of the match
ENGLAND REVIEWS
Freddie Stewart – 6
It was a torrid time against Fiji two weeks ago, but here it was back in play when England were behind.
Jonny May – 6
Comeback from the dead in the World Cup, but didn’t get many chances to show his pace.
Joe Marchant – 6
Defensively good, but we didn’t see him use the outside break that much for Harlequins.
Manu Tuilagi – 6
A great carry in the first half but England will need him in attack later in the tournament.
Elliot Daly – 6
A poor pass ruined a first-half chance for Jonny May but he kept his head in defence.
Alex Mitchell took the spotlight and did his best to add pace to the game
George Ford – 9
The art of the drop goal rediscovered with England under control. He has a great rugby mind and got his team going.
Alex Mitchell – 7
From fourth choice to first choice and did his best to provide pace in a stop-start game.
Ellis Genge – 7
Faced the Puma front rowers and it was an honor, even on his side of the scrum.
Jamie George – 8
England’s main set piece player and heart of the team. Reliable and Steve Borthwick will be praying he stays fit.
Steve Bothwick will be praying for Jamie George to stay fit after a reliable performance
Dan Cole – 6
Old King Cole rolls on. First serious start since 2019 and gave his best for the old brigade.
Maro Itoje – 6
He’s coming there. Not the strength he had in 2019, but the arms and legs are back. On the rise.
Ollie Chessum – 6
That’s a big change considering he barely played for six months after a horrific ankle injury.
Courtney Lawes (Captain) – 7th
Brought England together after Curry was sent off, a big rally set the tone, Real are frontrunners.
Tom Curry – 3
Sidelined since June due to ankle problems, sent off here after three minutes.
Ben Earl – 7
Lively from the back of the scrum but has to put the grubber kicks back in the cupboard.
Tom Curry only had a few minutes on the field and was sent off hard after a collision with Juan Cruz Mallia
Replacements: Theo Dan (for George 72.5), Joe Marler (for Genge 54.5), Will Stuart (for Cole 50, 5), George Martin (for Chessum 59.5), Lewis Ludlam (for Lawes 65, 5 ), Danny Care (for Mitchell 59.5), Marcus Smith (for Ford 78.4), Ollie Lawrence (for Tuilagi 69.5)
Argentina
Mallia 4; Boffelli 5, Cinti 5, Chocobares 4, M. Carreras 3; S. Carreras 4, Bertranou 5; Gallo 4, Montoya 6 (Capt), Kodela 5, Lavanini 4, Alemanno 5, Matera 6, Kremer 5, Gonzalez 6
Replacements: Creevy 5 (for Montoya 69), Sclavi 5 (for Kodela 50), Bello 4 (for Gallo 62.4), Petti (for Alemanno 41.4), Rubiolo (for Lavanini 50, 4), Bruni 4 (for Gonzalez 59), Velez 4 (for Betranou 69), Moroni 4 (for M.Carreras 63, 4)
Goalscorers:
England: Pens: Ford (6); Drops: Ford (3)
Argentina: Try: Bruni; Cons: Boffelli; Pen: Boffelli
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FRA)