Player Ratings v England

By Zippy
November 10 2003

Looking back to before the World cup I think we all would have grabbed what happened with open arms. Ifs and buts galore, we now have a back line that can open up even the best defence in the world and for that we can be pleased.

The area that needs the work is the forwards, we need more possession if we are to compete with the top sides for a full 80 minutes instead of fits and starts. 

15 - Alfie Thomas: 7.5 reminded me of JPR as a full back, immensely strong in both attack and defence. Should he now be our 1st choice full back? Daf James is on comeback and could come in for Mark Jones on the wing.
14 - Mark Jones - 6 did well to snuff out Neil back try and defended well enough but is not good enough in attack. Should of passed!!
13 Mar Taylor - 7 Not the same player since his injury and missed a few tackles (Robinson), still a very competent player who can do a job.
12. Iestyn Harris - 7 Ok, needs to find the magic touch more often in a game, his penalty was rubbish but I'll forgive him that.
11. Shane Williams - 8 my "hero" Ben Cohen won't be asking "Shane who" after he danced around the English defence on many occasions. If only he could of got away from Dallagio down the wing?
10. Stephen Jones - 7 Missed a few kicks and he and harris don't seem to be able to play together? Don't know why. Capped off the best try I have seen by Wales in many a year. His d was good.
9. Gareth Cooper - 8 Good until he tired late on, gave the English back row the runaround .
Peel - Looked class when he came on, confidence is a crucial thing.

Forward review later.