"Underwhelmed again" – Five players who flopped in the fourth round of the Autumn Nations Series
Today at 01:31 PM
Round four of the Autumn Nations Series saw some players struggle to live up to expectations, with several falling short in key areas.
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From missed tackles to set-piece disasters, here's a look at five players who had a tough outing and will need to bounce back if they want to remain in contention for their teams moving forward.
#1. Henry Slade (England)
RUCK 5/10: “Had some nice touches in midfield and offers something different as he can step in to be a second playmaker. However, Borthwick might be tempted to deploy a more physical inside centre, as Lawrence looks better at 13.”
Telegraph 5/10: “Some exquisite touches but never truly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. How many times has that been written of Slade? Also appeared to be involved in several defensive doglegs.”
Slade had moments of promise, but once again failed to impose himself on the game when it mattered. His defensive lapses and inability to take control in key moments may leave Borthwick questioning his starting role for future matches.
#2. Will Rowlands (Wales)
Wales Online 4/10: “Failed to make any dent in the South African defence with his carrying and was outmuscled by the Springboks second-rows. The 33-year-old has not been at his best this autumn.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “Worked very hard, as always, and just did what he needed to around the paddock.”
RUCK 4/10: “Unable to make tight carries of note in a first half where he was overpowered by a Bok front five in a dispiriting afternoon.”
It was a tough outing for Rowlands, who struggled to impose himself against the towering South African forwards. His usually reliable carrying game was nowhere to be seen, and he was dominated in the physical exchanges.
#3. George Martin (England)
RUCK 5/10: “Had some nice touches in midfield and offers something different as he can step in to be a second playmaker. However, Borthwick might be tempted to deploy a more physical inside centre, as Lawrence looks better at 13.”
Telegraph 5/10: “Came in this campaign with minimal game time and it showed as he looked to be struggling to last the pace. Uncharacteristically made a few too many missed tackles.”
Martin's performance was hampered by a lack of match fitness, evident in his struggles to keep up with the tempo. His defensive errors and inability to make a meaningful impact left him far from his best.
#4. Danilo Fischetti (Italy)
RUCK 5/10: “He kept making good efforts and getting stuck into plays but wasn't too far from his average performance.”
Rugby Pass 3/10: “Another Italy forward with heavy pressure on them at set piece time. Struggled up against Ethan de Groot at scrum time and was penalized twice in the first half. Made 8 tackles, but his 44-minute stint will be one to forget for the 27-year-old.”
Fischetti endured a difficult outing, struggling under the pressure in the scrums and failing to make a significant impact around the field. His time on the pitch was forgettable as the set-piece pressure told on him.
#5. Archie Griffin (Wales)
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Made eleven tackles before departing on 35 minutes after a day of learnings. Early missed tackle on Mostert in open space and could do little against a monstrous Springbok front featuring his Bath clubmate Thomas du Toit. Still emerged in credit from a chastening Series.”
Wales Online 3/10: “The Bath prop is a fine prospect but this was by far his weakest performance. Fell off two tackles in the opening 10 minutes but more importantly suffered the mother of all hidings from his Bath teammate Thomas du Toit at the scrum. Replaced by Keiron Assiratti after just 36 minutes.”
Planet Rugby 2/10: “Just a woeful day at the office for the young tighthead. Bath clubmate Thomas du Toit had his number in virtually every scrum, and he was hooked after 35 minutes.”
Griffin's scrummaging woes were on full display, with du Toit repeatedly dominating him at set-piece time. Hooked early in a performance he'll want to forget, Griffin will have to bounce back quickly to retain his spot for Wales.
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Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
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