"Mare" - Five players who flopped in the opening round: 2026 Six Nations

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Whether through tactical exposure, ill-discipline or simply being on the wrong side of momentum, these players endured difficult outings.

A performance that highlighted both promise and peril. With ball in hand, Prendergast showed why Ireland are excited — his willingness to play flat and distribute improved noticeably after half-time.

Defensively, though, France were merciless. The Irish No.10 channel was repeatedly targeted, and his hesitancy in contact became a pressure point that France exploited ruthlessly.

At Test level, defensive fragility isn’t just a weakness — it becomes an invitation.

A subdued evening in Rome. With Scotland consistently retreating, Russell struggled to impose himself or control territory.

A kick-off straight into touch handed Italy a costly penalty, while a missed conversion later denied Scotland the chance to apply late pressure.

The conditions were brutal and the kick was right on the touchline, but by his own standards this was a disappointing night for Scotland’s chief playmaker.

Usually Wales’ most dependable forward, Lake endured a first half to forget. Lineout accuracy dipped, a sin-bin spell hurt his side, and a failed tap-and-go squandered a rare attacking opportunity before the break.

He never fully recovered his influence on return, and his outing mirrored a miserable night for the visitors.

A high-output performance blunted by ill-discipline. Genge was heavily involved — leading England’s tackle count early and carrying with intent — but too often undermined his own work.

A needless confrontation reversed a penalty, he was later caught offside, and he allowed Wales to milk further infringements.

Even when England were camped on the Welsh line, he was held up over the line. Busy, committed, but disruptive.

A tough initiation at Test level. Clarkson was pitched straight into battle against a dominant French pack and spent much of the night under pressure. Facing Jean-Baptiste Gros, Ireland struggled to gain any ascendancy at scrum time.

He kept working and never went missing, but the set-piece creaked at key moments and failed to provide a stable platform. Honest, but limited impact.