England player ratings: Maro Itoje, Manu Tuilagi and Sam Underhill exceptional in famous win vs New Zealand

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Will Macpherson26 October 2019

England secured a famous victory in Yokohama as Eddie Jones' men reached the World Cup final with a 19-7 victory over New Zealand.

From the moment Manu Tuilagi crossed after 97 seconds an extraordinary match beckoned and the final scoreline did little justice to the domination of Eddie Jones' men, who were superior in every single facet of the game.

New Zealand had won their previous 18 World Cup matches dating back to 2007 but at International Stadium Yokohama they were flattened by a juggernaut led by the unstoppable Maro Itoje.

England will face either South Africa or Wales in next Saturday's final and having crushed the odds-on favourites to win the Webb Ellis Trophy, they will be expected to repeat their solitary triumph of 2003.

Will Macpherson rates the England squad after a stunning win...

15) Elliot Daly - 7

Was everywhere early on, and key in the tackle. Missed a long range penalty and was excellent when he moved to the wing to accommodate Slade.

Was in the wars but, just like last week, was superb. Back to his best with ball and in hand and excellent in defence. Superb on the right flank, especially when he’s short on space.

13) Manu Tuilagi - 9

Opportunistic try set the tone, but it was his defensive effort that stood out. Sensational rucking and tackling. Loves beating the All Blacks.

AP

12) Owen Farrell (c) - 8

One slightly greedy offload in first half, then picked up a knee injury. Had to be dragged off, though, and made a try-saving tackle on one leg. heroic.

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11) Jonny May - 7

His buildup was overshadowed by injury, and unfortunately he had to leave the field again. Before then did not quite have the gas to beat Scott Barrett, but fought well in defence.

10) George Ford - 8

Stepped up brilliantly with kicking when Farrell was injured. Kept England’s attack flowing with his zippy delivery, and ran the game to perfection. Tackled well too.

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9) Ben Youngs - 8

Back to his best in the knockout rounds. Was unfortunate to have his try disallowed, but was waspish and full of purpose.

Won a scrum penalty and was terrific around the park. Carried the ball 16 times, and desperately wanted the ball.

Missed two lineouts (including the vital one for New Zealand’s score), which is unlike him. But it should not be forgotten that for much of the game the lineout was a key plank of England’s dominance. Excellent elsewhere.

Gorgeous hands. Played a key role in the try, and defended bravely. Went off injured, which will worry Jones.

4) Maro Itoje - 9

Simply exceptional. Talked a big game in the build up, and duly delivered. A brutal player, who was everywhere at the set piece and in the loose. Made 12 tackles.

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A huge performance. With Ford, Lawes was the most interesting selection. And he stepped up to the plate in real style. Tackled hard, carried the ball and soared high at the lineout.

6) Tom Curry - 8

Grew into game, and produced a big second half turnover. So easy to forget he is only 21. Stood up at the line-out, too. Gave away a couple of penalties, but that is an occupational hazard for him.

Man of the match against Argentina, and totally dominant in the tackle – where his technique and timing are immaculate – here. Again had a try disallowed through no fault of his own. Made 14 tackles – and almost all of them were memorable.

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Looked in the zone for his 50th cap, and was superb. Carried hard, particularly round the fringes, crossing the gainline 11 times, and was excellent in defence.

Selected subs

Was on early because of May’s injury and had some lovely touches in attack – although was lucky not to be penalised when defying Sevu Reece in the corner.

Came on late but made a huge impact with a vital penalty win.

Made a series of key tackles and ran the lineout as well as ever.

Additional reporting by PA.

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