England started their World Cup campaign with a 27-10 win over Argentina thanks to a superb performance from George Ford.
Argentina gave away penalty after penalty and Ford was happy to take advantage of the opportunities, converting six and scoring three drop goals.
This wasn’t a perfect performance from England, but it was solid enough and the likes of Jamie George, Courtney Lawes and Ellis Genge all gave strong testimonials about themselves.
Tom Curry’s return from injury ended in a quick dismissal – and blood on the face and shirt of his opponent Juan Cruz Mallia, with whom he had a head clash.
Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings from a whirlwind evening at the Stade Velodrome, courtesy of Adam Hathaway.
George Ford’s excellent kicking performance earned all 27 of England’s points and he was deservedly named Player of the Match
ENGLAND REVIEWS
Freddie Stewart-6
Torrid time against Fiji a fortnight ago, but back in the game here when England were behind.
Johnny May – 6
Comeback from the dead in World Cup terms, but didn’t get many chances to show his pace.
Joe Marchant-6
Good defensively, but we haven’t seen the outside break he used so often at Harlequins.
Manu Tuilagi-6
One big carry in the first half, but England will need him in attack later in the tournament.
Elliot Daly-6
A poor pass gave Jonny May a chance in the first half but kept his head on defence.
Alex Mitchell was put in the spotlight and did his best to bring pace to the match
George Ford-9
Rediscovered the art of the drop goal, with England leading the way. Great rugby brain and made his side tick.
Alex Mitchell-7
From fourth choice to first choice and did his best to inject pace into a stop-start game.
Ellis Genge-7
Had a crack at the Puma front rowers and it was an honor even on his side of the scrum.
Jamie George-8
England’s regular man and the heart of the team. Reliable and Steve Borthwick will be praying he stays fit.
Steve Bothwick will be praying Jamie George stays fit after a reliable performance
Dan Cole-6
Old King Cole just keeps going. First serious start since 2019 and did his stuff for the old brigade.
Maro Itoje-6
He’s coming. Not the force he was in 2019, but the arms and legs are back. In the elevator.
Ollie Chessum-6
There has been a big change as he has barely played for six months after suffering a horror ankle injury.
Courtney Lawes (captain) – 7
England brought together after Curry’s departure, one big turnover set the tone, true leader.
Tom Curry-3
He has been out since June after an ankle injury and was harshly sent off after three minutes.
Ben Earl-7
Lively from the back of the scrum, but has to put the horror kicks back in the locker.
Tom Curry had only been on the field for a few minutes 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 (captain), 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)
Scorers:
England: Pens: Ford (6); Drops: Ford (3)
Argentina: Try: Bruni; with: Boffelli; Pen: Boffelli
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FRA)