Might as well do some ratings for England while I wait for the Ireland game:
Sheridan: 7/10 Scrummaged well for England, won a couple of penalties in the second half, made some useful carries to keep England on the front foot. Considering he's been out of test match rugby since the 2009 Six Nations, an encouraging return - a marked improvement on Tim 'walking penalty' Payne.
Thompson: 6/10 Played his part at scrum-time, slightly erratic with his throwing (his main advantage over Hartley) but commited well to breakdowns, made valuable tackles and a couple of decent carries. Thought Hartley improved England when he came on though, as is undoubtedly the future.
Cole: 8/10 Scrummaged Woodcock off the park throughout the game, hit each breakdown, made a few carries (even found himself in midfield on a couple of occasions). The best scrummager in the England squad at the age of 23. Proves what a player Castro is that this guy doesn't start for the Tigers.
Lawes: 7/10 Athletic in the lineout, made some fantastic tackes, hit every ruck first, carried strongly, very encouraging performance from the young man.
Palmer: 7/10 I think Barnes said he made 13 tackles in the 60 minutes he was on. Understated but effective, marshalled the lineout quite well with Lawes, proving a good compliment to Lawes in the second row.
Croft: 7/10 Not as devastatingly destructive as he can be, but contributed in every area of the game - what a lineout forward he is.
Moody: 6/10 Chucked himself at each kick, was just about the only England player on the kick-chase. Worth his place in the team though, i reckon. At least until Rees sorts out his injury problem.
Easter: 9/10 Wow. Hugely impressive from the lumbering, slow, podgy 8. Made a huge amount of carries, and seemed to be the real leader on the pitch for England (quick tap was evident). Kept going for the full 80, and proved all of his doubters wrong. Really, really impressive performance from a very good player. Provides a good link between forwards and backs.
Youngs: 8/10 No doubt an international scrum-half. Was telling that when Care came on England looked less effective. Super player, kept the All Blacks on their toes around the rucks with his short bursts and his rapport with Flood will be key for England in the run up to RWC 2011.
Flood: 8/10 Aside from one missed touch, he kicked impeccibly from hand, finding really long touches throughout the game. Although he stood too deep occasionally, brought the outside backs into it well. No doubt worth his place over Wilkinson given his last four games for England (though i still feel Wilkinson is worth being in the 22 simply to kick the goals in the last 20 of a match).
Cueto: 5/10 Solid but underwhelming. Lost even more pace since the summer, and although he was one of England's best players last Autumn, i think England have moved up a gear since then. With players like Ojo, Strettle, Banahan and Armitage all knocking on the door, I can't see him keeping his place for the Six Nations.
Hape: 6/10 Same as Cueto really. With players knocking on the door behind him can't see him keeping his place unless he improves his performances. Possibly hindered by Tindall alongside him, but needs to do more to impress me - he's not even Bath's first choice 12. If England want someone to provide Ashton and Foden with good attacking ball, the Johnson should pick Barkley for England at 12 every day of the week, he's the best passer in the Premiership.
Tindall: 5/10 Okay in defence by his standards, but by many others' he had a good day in that aspect. Looked sluggish with ball in hand and lacked confidence. Like I said earlier, if there's someone pacier and more creative alongside him he's worth his place, like Hape. What we've learned is that a Hape/Tindall combination is far too negative.
Ashton & Foden: 8/10 Might as well put these too together, they were born to play international rugby. Look like veterans of the side, and are developing into a hugely effective and confident partnership. The way forward for England.
Subs:
Hartley: 7/10 Dynamic and strong on the carry, much improved lineout, didn't hinder the scrum.
