These five England hopefuls did their chances no favours with poor performances during the Gallagher Premiership this weekend.
#1. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
Tuilagi was given his marching orders just 13 minutes into his Sale return’ against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.
During the match, Tuilagi, who plays as a centre, lifted his forearm in response to a tackle by Fin Smith from the opposing team.
Regrettably, the movement resulted in contact with Tommy Freeman's throat, which resulted in a red card..
Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said after the game: "He (Tuilagi) is gutted. He's apologised and said he owes us.
"He fully owns what happened out there and that's the kind of man he is.
"I know he will pay us back, but all of that is tough to take when you're still reeling from a game that we could and probably should have won.
#2. Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears)
Bristol Live 6/10: "An indifferent display.
"The lineout has been an issue which has plagued the Bears season and a wayward throw from Thacker was rightly called not straight, and let the Falcons escape up field."
Harry Thacker of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Bristol Bears and Harlequins at Ashton Gate on 19 Jun. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Jonathan Joseph (Bath RFC)
Somerset Live 5/10: "In what was a poor game for both sides Joseph struggled along with his centre partner to really punch any holes within the Irish defensive line, he still looked electric at times but like the rest of Bath it wasn’t enough as he was caught in two minds on a couple of occasions and drifted across the pitch rather than made incisive cuts."
Dejection for Jonathan Joseph of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby at Sandy Park on 2nd April 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#4. Jonny May (Gloucester)
Gloucestershire Live 5/10: "It was another tale of what could have been for the 32-year-old tonight, as his run of below-par form continued.
" He struggled to get into the game as his wing counterparts stole the headlines, and rarely threatened when the ball found him.
"Replaced by Rees-Zammit on 54 minutes."
A bloodied Jonny May of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm Stadium on March 26 2021 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
#5. Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby)
Somerset Live 4/10: "The lineout was woeful for Bath with too many of the hooker's throws going astray or getting stolen by the Exiles as Bath were unable to do the basics at the key setpiece area which repeatedly saw them turn over ball in promising attacking positions and completely let Irish off the hook.
"Did his job in terms of making hard carries and tackles but didn’t really do much in what was a pretty poor game in general."
Tom Dunn of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 29 Jan. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
