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Australia’s 25-7 loss at Twickenham served as a reality check. While there were moments of promise, too many players failed to impact the game and England capitalised. The Wallabies displayed grit and had a few standout moments. In particular, Potter’s brilliance and McReight’s breakdown dominance were bright spots. But errors, stalled attack phases and lack of rhythm cost them dearly.
Australia’s 25-7 loss at Twickenham served as a reality check. While there were moments of promise, too many players failed to impact the game and England capitalised. The Wallabies displayed grit and had a few standout moments. In particular, Potter’s brilliance and McReight’s breakdown dominance were bright spots. But errors, stalled attack phases and lack of rhythm cost them dearly.
Here’s how Joe Schmidt’s side rated:
Taniela Tupou – 7
Carried hard in the tight but the scrum didn’t dominate as hoped when set-piece dominance was key. In open play, his was back to his destructive best, charging into the defense and putting on big hits that rocked a number of England’s forwards.
Billy Pollard – 5.5
Soldifying his position as the first-choice hooker with energetic efforts around rucks and made some clever turnovers. His usual attack contributions were limited by a physical England pack.
Angus Bell – 6
Strong in contact but lacked penetration, preventing him from making his characteristic breaks in plays. Allowed England to dictate the contest in the scrum.
Nick Frost – 6.5
Big engine effort but didn’t make distinct match-turning plays and struggled to halt England’s forward momentum in key phases. Solid at line-out time and won one back for the Wallabies against the throw.
Jeremy Williams – 6
Typical workman-like performance from the Western Force lock. Made an important stop to prevent a try form England. Had difficulty sustaining defensive pressure late in the game.
Rob Valetini– 6
Carried with intent when given the chance, made hard metres and showed flashes of his physicality. Made an eye-catching break in the second half off a clever Alaalatoa pop pass.
Fraser McReight – 8.5
A massive shift from the flanker. Made multiple turnover wins and was industrious in defense in the face of English forward pressure. His effort kept Australia competitive.
Harry Wilson – 6
Led by example and injected energy, yet lacked advantage-line bending carries or link play that could have shifted momentum.
Jake Gordon – 6.5
Showed organisational clarity and box kicks averaged good distance, though the tempo from the base never fully disrupted England’s structure.
Tane Edmed – 6
Probably his best outing in a Wallabies jersey yet, but couldn’t provide any spark to get the backline going. His high-ball defence was solid at times but his decision-making under pressure was inconsistent. Stood up in defence with some big forwards rumbling through his channel.
Harry Potter– 7.5
A standout. Stole an intercept try that needed to be made to keep the Wallabies in touch. Was safe under the high-ball bombardment and gave his team a spark when others faltered.
Hunter Paisami – 6.5
Stepped in admirably for the injured Ikitau. Physically committed, made decent carries and tackled stoutly, but didn’t offer a creative breakthrough and some some poor choices with ball in hand.
Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i – 5
Showed flashes in the air and under pressure, but twice coughed possession in the first half and lacked consistent involvement in attack.
Max Jorgensen – 5
Starved of the ball as his backs inside him couldn’t get the ball to his wing. Kept very quiet and subbed off for Duagunu late.
Andrew Kellaway – 5
A quiet day under the high ball and struggled to shift the line on counter attack. England’s kicking game pinned him deep too often.
Replacements & Bench
16. Josh Nasser - 5
Struggling to find his feet at this level. While his throws were straigh and he scrummaged admirably. Solid cameo that hopefully will build to something more.
17. Tom Robertson - 7.5
Was reliable at scrum time when he come on.
18. Allan Alaalatoa - 7
Provides huge value off the bench for the Wallabies, with his tactial nous at set-piece and his reliability at scrum time. Hi scuffle with Genge was entertaining but his work around the park and at the breakdown was
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 6
Came off the bench carrying a rib injury. Tried to force his will on the game with physicality, but got pinged for swimming through the maul and playing the scrumhalf.
20. Nick Champion de Crespigny - 5
Brought more physicality from the bench but didn’t have time to really pose a threat.
21. Ryan Lonergan - 6
Provided clean service and continued the precison kicking from the base of the ruck. Needs more minutes to prove his value.
22. Hamish Stewart -4.5
Came on at flyhalf to try and turn the match. Made his kicks for touch and straightened the attack but was rather ineffective at providing the spark late in the game that the Wallabies needed.
23. Filipo Daugunu - 5.5
Should have been brought on earlier to combat the impact of the English bench. He is a weapon in defence and can kick from ball in hand but had limited oppurtunities.