The Six Nations stands as the pinnacle of rugby excitement, drawing eyes from across the globe to the fierce battles waged by the six international teams.
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Amidst the intensity of the tournament, let’s spotlight the top five underperforming stars of the competition (thus far)…
#1. Nick Tompkins (Wales)
Warren Gatland, the Wales coach, has made four changes to the lineup ahead of their Six Nations clash against France, dropping the out-of-form Tompkins.
Tompkins’ struggles were evident from the start, as he earned a mere 3/10 rating in the tournament opener against Scotland. His performance was marred by being outmuscled by Sione Tuipulotu, highlighting his lack of physicality. Additionally, defensive lapses allowed Scotland to exploit gaps, and a costly ball spill disrupted Wales’ momentum, leading to his substitution for Mason Grady at the 52-minute mark.
His shortcomings persisted against England, where he failed to make an impact in midfield and contributed to turnovers, earning a marginally better rating of 4/10.
Against Ireland, Tompkins’ struggles reached a new low, as he lacked the necessary power and received a dismal 2/10 rating. His inability to handle Bundee Aki’s physicality and his ineffectiveness in supporting North on the outside compounded Wales’ woes. Despite an initial display of defensive effort, Tompkins faded as the game progressed, leaving his channel vulnerable to Ireland’s relentless attacks.