We’ve decided to give everybody a little review of the opening weekend of the 2023 Six Nation by deciding who has been each nations best and worst player.
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Below, we look at every sides best and worst player.
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FRANCE:
Best: Uini Atonio
Rugby Pass 6.5/10: “The big man did the business in the scrums giving Porter a torrid time and winning a couple of penalties. Effective in the defence where just standing there is enough to create the impression there is a blue wall erected on the pitch.”
Telegraph 8/10: “France’s leading light. Some of the defensive shots were thunderous – and legal – and his scrummaging was faultless.”
Worst: Paul Willemse
Rugby Pass 1/10: “Got one point for running onto the pitch because after that it was a disaster for the lock forward. Lucky to get a yellow for his hit on Andrew Porter, he didn’t learn his lesson after 10 minutes contemplation and another hit to the head of an opponent, he left the referee with no option but to end his contest. Dumb.”
Planet Rugby 2/10: ““How do you want us to tackle?” were the words the second-rower asked before being issued his second yellow card and subsequent red. The answer is simple: lower Paul, lower.”
Telegraph 1/10: “The first hit was silly enough but to commit exactly the same offence six minutes after returning to the field, after a get-out-jail-free card, bordered on lunacy. France’s hopes of victory departed with him.”
IRELAND:
Best: Joe McCarthy
Telegraph 9/10: “Tenacious and towering on Six Nations debut. A man possessed at lock with a phenomenal future ahead. One careless dropped pass the only blot.”
Rugby Dump 9/10: “Mark these words: McCarthy will be the building block of the Irish pack for the next decade. The 22-year-old obliterated his French counterparts and was deservedly named player of the match, his carrying ability was off the charts.”
Rugby Pass 8.5/10: “A revelation in the second row, the Leinsterman’s athleticism and physicality were a pivotal part of the Irish effort. Ran out of steam in the second half.”
Worst: Andrew Porter
Telegraph 6/10: “The effort could not be faulted and certainly he remains one of the world’s best but Atonio, then Aldegheri, troubled him.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “For all his excellence around the park, he is still a liability in the scrums and was taught another lesson from Uini Atonio, who dominated him in the set-piece. Ticked the boxes in open play but not in the scrum.”