ENGLAND suffered a shocking second-half collapse against Ireland as their Six Nations opener fell apart in a 27-22 defeat.
The Red Roses dominated the first 40 minutes before the Boys in Green showed them what’s what in the next.
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Here’s how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated every Red Rose from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Freddie Steward – 6
Secure and so solid under the high ball but made to look silly by Gibson-Park when he left the full-back on his backside for Ireland’s first points.
Tommy Freeman – 5
Few chances to really explode down the wing and among those outfoxed by Aki for Ireland’s second try. Not sure the Northampton man is a game-breakeR
Henry Slade – 7
Superb grubber to set up Murley for the early England try and made a stream of big hits as he defended with relish and passion.
Ollie Lawrence – 7
Carried the ball with power and his tackling was as exceptional as those of Slade alongside him.
Cadan Murley – 7
Dream debut for the Harlequins winger as he scored a beauty inside the first 10 minutes.
Spent much of the remainder of the game defending for his life.
Marcus Smith – 7
Showed that imagination and footwork from the outset to give England hope and inspiration.
Alex Mitchell – 5
Returning scrum half brought calmness but the missed tackle on Lowe, just as Smith was getting ready to return, was critical.
Ellis Genge – 6
Old fashioned grunt and grind in the front row rarely gets the plaudits but it meant England were never going backwards at the set-piece.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
Missed his first line out but other than that got the radar working, a vital factor with England a jumper short because of the back row mix.
Will Stuart – 6
Another whose best work goes unrecognised by most but he showed the same application as his team-mates.
Maro Itoje – 8
The new captain promised he would lead by example. He did not disappoint in an all-action demonstration of his prowess.
George Martin – 7
Worked well in tandem with his captain to ensure England were able to compete and nat times silence the home crowd.
Tom Curry – 7
Like his twin, the Sale flanker seemed to be popping up everywhere within a remorseless determination.
Ben Curry – 7
Ireland really must have wondered how many Currys were on the pitch as he gave total commitment to the cause.
Ben Earl – 6
The Saracens man might not be a traditional No 8 but his willingness to bust his guts from first to last minute is a sign of his mentality and quality.
Replacements:
Dan (for Cowan Dickie) – 6
Did his job in a difficult cause
Willis (for Earl) – 6
Came on just as the tide really started to turn against England. Could not stem it. 6
Cunningham-South (for Ben Curry) – 6
Sent on to give England more bulk and energy in the last quarter 6
Chessum (for Martin) – 6
Back after injury and giving England extra line-out capacity in the final stages.
F Smith (for Steward) – 6
All or nothing move with namesake Marcus moving to full-back but the die was cast 6
Randall (for Mitchell) – 6
Another who came on when the game was gone 6
Baxter (for Genge) – 5
Run out in the last 10 as England were left increasingly ragged 5
Heyes (for Stuart) – 5
Also a late introduction as the Red Rose wilted 5
