STEFAN Ratchford continues to top the Guardian’s reader man-of-the-match ratings for this year’s performances.

Consistency seems to have followed him since having a settled position at full-back, rather than flitting between roles as and when needed.

“Some of the flipping of positions was probably down to me,” said the England number one.

“I’d nominate myself if there was an injury to a teammate and find myself playing here and there.

“Full-back is probably one of the most technical roles and if you are one step off or one step out of place then it can cost you four points.

“I think the best way to learn about where you need to be is by being in that position each week and I think last year was the most consistent I’ve played there.

“Lucky enough that helped me get the Samoa game for England mid-year and get in the World Cup squad and this year I think I’ve played full-back every game I’ve played.

“Steve Price (head coach) knows that I’d always be willing to move and cover if need be, but we’re fortunate enough at the moment that we’ve got a good squad with good quality and we have people in the positions where I may have slotted in previously.

“The more people you can keep in a position they play most often I think definitely helps, and by being at full-back every game I’ve played this year definitely helps with the consistency side of things.

“It also helps the players around you. They know where you are likely to run and where you are likely to be.”