France’s South African-born lock Paul Willemse believes England star Maro Itoje is not so suited to the second row.
RUCK’s 2023 Six Nations content powered by ISUZU.
The Saracens powerhouse currently sits third in the table for successful tackles made and line-outs won during the 2023 Six Nations so far.
“The first thing I always say about him is that he’s not a lock, he’s a ‘loosie’ in my head,” Willemse said.
“He’s a player that can disrupt the match.
“I’ve also learned a few things watching him play to add to my game.
“He’s capable of disturbing your momentum in the match, just doing things to throw you a bit on the back foot.
“You have to respect his quality of disrupting a match,” he added.
Six players who flopped in round three of the Six Nations
We take a look at four players who failed to perform in today’s 2023 Six Nations round three action.
#1. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
Planet Rugby 2/10: “Sent off for a high and dangerous tackle on Anthony Jelonch from a kick-off. He could have easily done better, poor technique and poor execution..”
The Offside Line 3/10: “Unlucky to pick up a [wholly legitimat] red card in seventh minute, careless rather than reckless.”
Rugby Pass 1/10: “Close to tears as he was sent off on seven minutes for a high shot on Jelonch.”
#2. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Balls 5/10: “The Italians took advantage of a defensive weakness in the 13 channel (5 missed tackles).”
Rugby pass 6/10: “As pointed out by Jerry Flannery in RTE’s analysis, the Italians successfully targeted and exploited the 13 channel between the Connachtman and Lowe on the left wing. Fumbled a try that may well have settled the contest with 20 or so minutes to go. A truly mixed bag of a performance.”
Planet Rugby 6/10: “Great with the ball, not so without.”
