England player ratings: How Eddie Jones' men fared in World Cup quarter-final win over Australia

Will Macpherson19 October 2019

England are through to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2007 after a memorable win over old rivals Australia on Saturday.

Eddie Jones' Pool C winners scored four tries through Jonny May (2), Kyle Sinckler and Anthony Watson in an impressive 40-16 triumph at Oita Stadium.

Defending champions New Zealand now stand between England and a place in the final on November 2, with those two teams set to square off at International Stadium Yokahama next weekend.

Here are Will Macpherson's player ratings from Oita...

In Pictures | England vs Australia, World Cup quarter-final | 19/10/19

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Backs

Elliot Daly: 6

Has been in good form, but this was not his best game. Marika Koroibete caused him trouble and his handling was a little suspect.

Anthony Watson: 8

Well worth his late intercept try after a performance that was industry one minute and artistry the next. Brilliant from the off.

Jonny May
AP

Henry Slade: 7

Outstanding contribution for May’s second try, opportunistically finding the ball and then having the wisdom to feed the winger with his wrong foot. Like he had never been away.

Manu Tuilagi: 7

A couple of booming carries and big hits, and it is to his credit that Samu Kerevi was not too conspicuous.

Jonny May: 8

Finished two fine tries on his 50th cap and was hard-working elsewhere. A worry that he appeared to pick up a hamstring injury.

Owen Farrell: 9

Much improved on his return to No10. Slotted all his goals, tackled plenty (including a key one on Kurtley Beale in the first half) and passed with slickness, most notably when sending Sinckler over.

Owen Farrell
AFP via Getty Images

Will stay at fly-half for the semi-final, surely.

Ben Youngs: 8

Much improved, a sprightly presence making things happen once again. Reassuring for England.

Forwards

Mako Vunipola: 8

Looked a total mess when he came off, with the blood and bruises telling the tale of vast defensive effort. Had not started since February, but did not miss any of his 18 tackles

Jamie George: 7

Missed Curry at a lineout, which he does not do often. Otherwise excellent, winning ball and tackling well.

Kyle Sinckler
Getty Images,

Kyle Sinckler: 8

Ran a great line for his try, but that was just the icing on the cake of a gritty performance in tight and loose. Pinged at the scrum once, but kept his head and scrummed very well otherwise.

Gets better and better.

Maro Itoje: 8

Stepped up at the lineout with his mate George Kruis out of the side, and was a typical nuisance at the breakdown.

Courtney Lawes: 7

Put himself about in the tackle, and gave England some real grunt. Ended up being a good selection.

Tom Curry: 9

Officially named man of the match. The best game of a burgeoning England career, as he tackled with aggression, won turnovers and provided the final pass for May’s first try.

Tom Curry
AFP via Getty Images

Sam Underhill: 8

Man of the match against Argentina and he was not far behind his mate Curry here. Topped the tackle charts with 20 and was a menace at the breakdown. His technique is immense.

Billy Vunipola: 7

Is not at his best with ball in hand, but tackled like a demon and showed no signs of that pesky ankle injury.

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