"Bad weekend for props" - 5 England players who flopped in the Prem over the weekend

Monday, 10 October 2022 at 13:48

byRugby Rucker

We take a look at five players who flopped during this weekend’s round of Premiership fixtures, which includes a number of underperforming England front-rowers.

#1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)

Result: Bristol 14-50 Exeter
Player rating: 5/10 (Bristol Live)

Lucky to escape a red card, Genge was sent to the sin-bin in the first half for a dangerous clearcut on Jonny Gray.

He was also twice marched back by referee Christophe Ridley for dissent with the second time resulting in a try for Exeter Chiefs.

Not through a lack of effort, it was a tough evening for Genge as Exeter ran out big winners at Ashton Gate.

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"Ellis Genge is fortunate to be available for England’s forthcoming autumn internationals. This column is not a criticism of Genge. It is an indictment of a game in which rucks and mauls have been badly officiated for too long" | ✍️ @SBarnesRugby thetimes.co.uk/article/take-r…

10:02 AM · Oct 10, 2022

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#2. Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

Result: Newcastle 14-34 Saracens
Player rating: 5/10 (RUCK)

It was all going so well for the prop at Kingston Park before a moment of madness led to the first red card of his career. Vunipola was sent off by referee Wayne Barnes for the use of the shoulder in a ruck.

The dismissal was deserved, but the four punches in the face less so.

One fan wrote: "Why was the Newcastle number 11 not red carded? Clearly punches Mako Vunipola while on the floor!"

"Yeah … cut the footage of black 11 smashing makos face 4 plus times after the red card clear out..." a second added.

#3. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)

Result: Leicester 16-26 Sale Sharks
Player rating: 5/10 (Leicestershire Live)

Not the England international's finest afternoon as unbeaten Sale Sharks came out comfortable winners against Tigers.

He dropped a kick uncharacteristically early on before missing a tackle for an early try scored by Tom Roebuck. Steward was then penalised for poor timing in the air.

Freddie Steward of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on 11 June. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps)

Result: Wasps 36-40 Northampton
Player rating: 5/10 (Coventry Live)

Joe Launchbury, Captain of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Gloucester Rugby and Wasps at Kingsholm on 11 September. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#5. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)

Result: Bristol 14-50 Exeter
Player rating: 5/10 (Bristol Live)

Tipped to bounce back following his nightmare at Newcastle the previous week, Sinckler did little to suggest he was going to recapture his best form.

Kyle Sinckler of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 10 September. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK