Three players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them for France
Rugby NewsSaturday, 25 February 2023 at 20:55
England heaped more misery on troubled Wales with a scrappy Six Nations victory in Cardiff.
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Nevertheless, Steve Borthwick's side were far from perfect with a number of player coming under fire.
#1. Owen Farrell
Telegraph 5/10: "Farrell is a phenomenal talent but the skipper did not enjoy his best of days. Missed kicks, charge-downs - but the competitive venom was never in question."
Guardian 5/10: “Charged down by Faletau early on but shrugged that off well. Goal-kicking was poor, not for the first time this championship.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “Poor, poor, poor. It’s hard to justify his place in the team at the moment. Kicking off the tee was once again abysmal and his decision-making and execution was completely off. “
Evening Standard. 6/10: “Curiously off-kilter off the tee but dragged England home through sheer bloody-mindedness.”
Replacement: Marcus Smith
#2. Jack Van Poortvliet
Guardian 6/10: "A bit scrappy with ball in hand. Kicked at pretty much every opportunity but eventually exposed Wales under high ball.'
Replacement: Alex Mitchell
Jack van Poortvliet of England is tackled by Richie Mo’unga of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
#3. Max Malins
Guardian 6/10: " Always looking to come off his wing and link with Farrell and posed a threat as a result. At fault for Rees-Zammit’s try."
Mail Online 6/10: "Great line off his wing for Anthony Watson’s opener but gifted Rees-Zammit try after break.".
Replacement: Cadan Murley
Max Malins of England goes over for a try 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
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