"0/10" - Rugby Pass brutally ranked England’s FIVE worst players so far at the World Cup

Rugby News
Tuesday, 26 September 2023 at 12:37
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As the World Cup gains momentum, Rugby Pass has delved into the standout and struggling players in England's initial trio of matches.
In the spotlight for their stellar performances are Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell, Courtney Lawes, and George Ford. Check out their full ratings here.
Yet, who faced the toughest challenges? Discover Rugby Pass's assessment of the underperformers in Steve Borthwick's squad during their victorious encounters with Japan, Argentina, and Chile.

England's underperforming stars:

#5. Jonny May - 4/10 (

2 starts, 160 mins)

They wrote: "A player whose story is an example of not throwing a tantrum in a deflating moment, playing the long game instead. Could have told Borthwick to shove it in August when omitted from the World Cup squad, but Anthony Watson’s injury led to starts against the Pumas and the Japanese. The pity is England’s shackled game plan just doesn’t suit his best attributes."
DID YOU KNOW? May was childhood friends with pop star Ed Sheeran. The unlikely friendship was formed as May and Sheeran’s mothers were close.
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Jonny May of England (Gloucester Rugby) during the an England Rugby Training session at the Brighton College, Sussex on the 19th June 2023 - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

#4. Max Malins - 3/10 (1 start, 0 mins)

They wrote: "Scored two tries at the top of the year versus Scotland, but it hasn’t happened since then for the winger as his game has too many loose ends and selection setbacks. Must have been so envious seeing Arundell score five from the right wing versus Chile compared to his blank on the other side."
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Max Malins of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#3. Jack Walker - 3/10 (1 run as sub, 26 mins)

They wrote: "Definitely the most patient man in this squad, becoming the last of the 33 to get on the pitch when summoned to replace Dan in Lille last Saturday. That will be the highlight of his tournament."
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Jack Walker of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Harlequins and Saracens at Twickenham Stoop on 31 Oct 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Billy Vunipola - 2/10 (1 start, 1 run as sub, 96 mins)

They wrote: "Leggy in August before his suspension, he continued to be leggy in September and didn’t make a telling impact. Very, very average in his start against Chile."
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Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

#1. Tom Curry - 0/10 (1 start, 3 mins)

They wrote: "A single red-carded tackle was the story of his September World Cup. Has it all to do versus Samoa to prove he is a must-pick for the quarter-finals."
DID YOU KNOW? It is true that Tom and twin brother Ben had a trial at Manchester City, who the pair support/ However, that was scuppered by Tom scoring a spectacular own goal.
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Tom Curry of England  during the Autumn Nations International Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham, London on 26 November 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
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