"A stinker" – Six Lions Hopefuls Who Blew Their Final Audition on Super Saturday

03/15/2025 05:02 PM

Six Nation Super Saturday was the final test chance for British & Irish Lions hopefuls to make their case for a spot on the plane to Australia—but for some, it couldn't have gone much worse.

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While a number of contenders struggled to deliver when it mattered most, one player's dreams may have been shattered by a potentially devastating injury.

With Andy Farrell keeping a close eye, these six players may have just played their way out of contention.

#1. James Lowe (Ireland)

Planet Rugby 4/10: “A bit of a stinker to be honest, although not necessarily the only one. Not wholly his fault, given that Ireland struggled to open space out wide, but Lowe made a number of errors and conceded several turnovers.”

Irish Examiner 5.5/10: “Took time to settle. Another trying to make up for lost time, popping up here and there as usual but over-hit a kick-through. Impossible, though, to keep quiet, a booming clearance kick giving Ireland crucial territory.”

#2. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

Planet Rugby 4/10: “Tried to make something work, but was outmuscled by opposite number Ben Earl. Nevertheless, he's had a great Six Nations all things considered, but this wasn't his best day.”

Rugby Pass 5/10: “Following a string of encouraging performances in recent weeks, this was not one that will live long in the British and Irish Lion's memory. Made seven carries in his 52 minutes on the pitch but was turned over twice and struggled to exert his usual physicality.”

RUCK 5.5/10: “Under the interim head coach, Faletau seemed to have rediscovered his best form, and this was another solid performance as he earned his 108th cap. He made some big hits and carries, but surprisingly, his afternoon was cut short after being replaced by Tommy Reffell on 50 minutes.”

Wales Online 4/10: “Not his best game. Struggled against England’s backrow who had a field day at the breakdown and found it tough going getting over the gainline.”

#3. Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

RUCK 4/10: “It was a quiet afternoon for the Gloucester Rugby scrum-half as Wales' attacking game was far from where it needed to be to compete with this England side. He kept the tempo up, but nothing went in the hosts' favour. His Six Nations campaign ended on 63 minutes as Rhodri Williams replaced him.”

Planet Rugby 2/10: “Brought in to add some extra ballast, but simply struggled to make any effect on things whatsoever. Was utterly beaten up by the England pack.”

Rugby Pass 4/10: “Brought in to provide some physicality and dynamism in the back row, but aside from some first-half handbags with Ollie Chessum, was unable to provide much of that. Switched to number eight when Faletau departed but the shift in position did not improve his performance.”

Wales Online 5/10: “The Dragons backrower made a few powerful carries but struggled to make much headway. Was part of a Wales backrow which got taken to the cleaners.”

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