Winning return: Tom Croft marks his England comeback by scoring a try
ENGLAND REMAIN on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam following their 22-16 win over Scotland at Twickenham, but it was far from the convincing display many expected. It was an error-strewn game that never really sparked into life. In fact, the crowd seemed more entertained by the fox on the pitch before kick-off and referee Romain Poite having to leave the field injured. So who’s guaranteed their place for next time and who’s at risk of the drop?
ENGLAND
Ben Foden 73
Joined the line well in attack and made several decent breaks. A big threat.
Chris Ashton 71
Kept relatively quiet by the Scottish defence but still made few breaks and good offloads.
Mike Tindall 62
Outshined by Matt Banahan’s display when he had to go off injured at half-time.
Shontayne Hape 70
One of his best attacking performances for England and handled himself well in defence.
Mark Cueto 72
Probably got more chance to run than Ashton and proved it’s not all about young bucks.
Toby Flood 68
Not at his best. Gave away silly penalty in good attacking position but distributed well.
Ben Youngs 67
Another not to hit top form. Has pace and an eye for a gap but can leave himself isolated.
Alex Corbisiero 72
Could be more switched on, but dominated in scrum and looks comfortable at Test level.
Dylan Hartley 66
Not his usual rampaging best in loose and can be guilty of loitering out wide.
Full steam ahead: James Haskell on the charge
Dan Cole 72
Easily got better of Allan Jacobsen at scrum time and even stole a lineout.
Louis Deacon 70
Good work-rate around the park, be it as tackler, lineout forward or carrier.
Tom Palmer 72
Another impressive display. Quick reactions and solid in defence.
Tom Wood 64
Could find himself usurped by Tom Croft for next week – needs to do more around field.
James Haskell 76
Easily England’s best performer – made yards in attack and offered plenty of go-forward.
Nick Easter 70
Strong in the driving maul, few good breaks and showed deft hands at times.
Replacements
Matt Banahan showed power, pace and good hands in centre and Tom Croft took his try well.
SCOTLAND
Chris Paterson 73
Made two try-saving tackles, kicked well and enjoyed a couple of nice jinking runs.
Simon Danielli 56
Offered a few glimpses of ability in first half but went missing in the second.
Joe Ansbro 62
Good defensively but little to write home about as an attacking threat.
Sean Lamont 68
Broke the line a couple of times early on but another who’s performance dipped.
Touch down: Max Evans scores a well-executed individual try for Scotland
Max Evans 71
Executed his try well but occasionally guilty of being too selfish on the ball.
Ruaridh Jackson 68
Much improved from his performance against Ireland and well-taken drop-goal.
Rory Lawson 70
A tidy contribution from the scrum-half – should hold off the challenge of Mike Blair.
Allan Jacobsen 64
Under pressure at scrum but put in a decent shift in defence.
Ross Ford 64
Too often went for long throw at lineout and that put his side under pressure at times.
Moray Low 58
Taken off early in second half after being so outplayed at the scrum.
Richie Gray 72
Again one of Scotland’s best performers – a presence in the tight and the loose.
Al Kellock 68
Lineout wasn’t as strong as it has been but still a hard-working display from the captain.
Nathan Hines 67
Gave away a couple of silly penalties but tackled well – and talked to ref in French!
John Barclay 59
England scored decisive try when he was in the sin-bin for a cynical offence.
Kelly Brown 70
Great work on the floor and in defence before being carried off on a stretcher.
Replacements
Richie Vernon looked good with ball in hand and Dan Parks tried to keep England pinned in their own half.
THE KEY
0 – Should never play for this team again
10 – Shocker – lucky to get picked again this season
20 – Out of his depth
30 – Did one or two things right – must improve
40 – Willing but woeful
50 – Minimum requirement for a professional – average
60 – Solid effort and a decent performance
70 – Made key contributions and guaranteed his place for next time
80 – Superb – should give himself a pat on the back
90 – A personal best – his greatest game ever
100 – Faultless – no one could play a better game in this position