We’ve decided to give everybody a little review of the opening weekend of the 2023 Six Nation by deciding who has been each home nations best and worst player.
Ireland got off to an impressive start in their Six Nations campaign thrashing Wales 34-10 on Saturday for their first win in Cardiff in the tournament since 2013.
Meanwhile, Duhan van der Merwe’s late try saw Scotland to a thrilling 29-23 Six Nations win at Twickenham on Saturday as England were denied a win in their first match under new coach Steve Borthwick.
Below, we look at every sides best and worst player.
WALES:
BEST PLAYER: KEN OWENS
RUCK 8/10: “The saving grace in a dismal performance for Wales. Newly appointed Wales captain did not stop fighting for his country, even when the battle was lost.
“Secured a turnover on his own try-line to prevent a fourth first half Ireland try. Aggression and a masterful hooking performance at the scrum, forced turnover’s from an otherwise dominant Ireland. Replaced at the hour mark to a resounding ovation from the millennium stadium, Scott Baldwin replaced him, earning his first cap since 2017.”
Wales Online 6/10: “The skipper tried to lead by example, putting in a monstrous 19 tackles, but one dart flew high over the Welsh lineout, another wasn’t straight five metres from Irish line. Big moments have to be converted”
WORST PLAYER: TAULUPE FALETAU
Planet Ruby 4/10: “Glimpses of his excellence in the second period but one of the bigger transgressors on the discipline front.”
RUCK 4/10: “Three missed tackles and three handling errors. Probably his worst game ever in a Wales shirt”
Rugby Pass: “Strong defensively but the Welsh back row was bossed at key times by Ireland’s breakaway trio.”