6 stars who underperformed in the opening round of the 2023 Six Nations

Sunday, 05 February 2023 at 22:02

byRugby Rucker

We take at five players who flopped during the second round of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, including two disappointing England stars.

#1. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Wales Online 5/10: "One lovely offload, many decent tackles, was in double figures for carries. But Ireland were dynamic when the game was won and lost in the opening half."

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World-record cap holder Alun Wyn Jones will miss Wales' Six Nations trip to face Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday while Tomas Francis is a doubt with a calf injury #BBCRugby

10:00 AM · Feb 5, 2023

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#2. Ben Curry (England)

Guardian 5/10: "Missed three tackles in the first half, discipline not great and flew out of the line for White’s try. Lacked composure."

Ben Curry of England on the break into Pierre Schoeman of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#3. Maro Itoje (England)

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Once again not his usual presence on the field. Scotland marshalled him pretty comfortably. Under threat of getting dropped?"

Maro Itoje of England during the England Captains Run ahead of the Guinness Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Friday 3rd February 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

#4. Julian Marchand (France)

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Was asked by referee Matthew Carley if we wanted to be marched by back after moaning following a penalty in the 29th minute. Maybe should concentrate on making plays as opposed to demonstrating with the referee and punching the ground in frustration."

#5. Stephen Varney (Italy)

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Made some mistakes during the opening period, one of them which proved costly as Thibaud Flament charged down an attempted clearance from him before regathering and crossing for the opening try. Although he put that setback behind him, he was more of a link to his outside backs and offered little on attack. Replaced on 75 minutes."