We’ve decided to give everybody a little review of the final weekend of the 2024 Six Nation by deciding who has been each nations best and worst player.
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WALES:
BEST PLAYER: Elliot Dee
Wales Online 7/10: “The Dragons hooker has had a fine Six Nations from a personal point of view and he certainly didn’t disgrace himself against the Azzurri despite the defeat. Dee carried hard throughout, claiming a try, and made 11 tackles.”
RUCK 7.5/10: “Solid early line-out throws, finding the hands well at front, middle and the back. Brilliant jackal to win the ball at 15 minutes, as he was rapid over the ball. Had a change of footwear, but did not improve Wales’ scrum – wheeled on 24 minutes. Drove over for a TMO reviewed try, as he gets carried over by an Italian player for the grounding. Off for Llyod (74).”
Planet Rugby 7.5/10: ” One of the few Welsh players who made a positive impact in this match. The Dragons hooker performed well in the execution of his core duties, with his defensive work particularly impressive as he finished with 11 tackle completions. Also showed great determination to score his side’s first try.”
WORST PLAYER: Adam beard
Rugby Pass 3/10: “A neck roll killed Wales’ early momentum in the second half and it proved to be a costly penalty to give away when front-foot ball was a rarity for the men in red. Italy scored seconds later to compound the error and Warren Gatland had seen enough. A quiet game before that as the Welsh pack struggled physically against the visitors.”
Wales Online 4/10: “Gave away a cheap penalty for a neck roll early in the second-half when Wales were on top which handed momentum back to Italy. Wales’ main source of lineout ball but failed to impose himself physically before getting replaced by Will Rowlands on 51 minutes.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “Apart from his prowess in the lineouts, the British and Irish Lion brought little to the Welsh cause. Blown up for a neck roll on Federico Ruzza late in the opening half and was eventually replaced by Will Rowlands in the 52nd minute.”
RUCK 5/10: “Quick over the ball at the breakdown, and helped his side win an eighth minute ruck penalty. Strong and commanding in the air, didn’t make too many errors at line-out time. Penalised at 44 minutes for a neck roll, as he halted a rare Welsh trip to the Italian 22. Dragged off for Rowlands (51).”
ITALY:
BEST PLAYER: Juan Ignacio Brex
Planet Rugby 9/10: “Named man-of-the-match and rightly so. The centre was typically outstanding, making confident defensive reads throughout. With ball in hand he was a beast. Brex’s experience and composure in his decision-making coupled with sheer work rate gives the backline such balance. What a player.”
WORST PLAYER: Federica Ruzza (Italy)
Planet Rugby 6/10: “The second-row was busy in defence and clean in the lineout, fulfilling his role quite nicely on the day. Made double digits with his tackle count and tried to get his hands on the ball where possible”