"FLOPPED in Dublin again" - Three England internationals who underperformed this weekend

Rugby News
Sunday, 09 April 2023 at 00:30
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In Dublin, Leinster dominated Premiership champions Leicester Tigers 55-24, securing their spot as the first team to reach this season's Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals.
Garry Ringrose, the Irish centre, scored two tries for the hosts in the first half, while Leicester's Anthony Watson managed a response.
Leinster's Jamison Gibson-Park, a penalty try, Scott Penny, Jimmy O'Brien, and John McKee all contributed to the overwhelming victory.
With their sights set on a fifth Champions Cup triumph, Leinster will face either Toulouse or Sharks in the semi-finals.
Below, we look at three potential England stars for the World Cup who flopped in Dublin...

Three England internationals who underperformed this weekend

#1. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)

Returning to the site of his infamous red card with England 20 days prior, he found himself playing in an unfamiliar left-wing position.
The effects were apparent as he struggled against James Lowe in the early stages and was later caught off-guard by Ringrose, ultimately leading to Jamison Gibson-Park's game-deciding try.

#2. Jack Van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

Kicked the leather off it last weekend versus Edinburgh and was inclined to do the same again here due to all the backfoot play he featured in.
Was apprentice versus master three weeks ago in his head-to-head with Gibson-Park and it became that here, his opposite number running in the key try and JVP getting done minutes later for no release on the deck after a panicked carry.

#3. George Martin (Leicester Tigers)

Despite recent hype from the English media, he began the game slowly and failed to make a significant impact.
Although there was a mid-game surge from Leicester, he ultimately went missing during the crucial championship minutes. While the media has touted him as the next big thing, his lack of performance in this game suggests that he still has room for improvement before he can live up to those expectations.
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