"Virtually anonymous" - 5 players who underperformed in the Premiership final

Saturday, 18 June 2022 at 19:22

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byRugby Rucker

We take a look at five players who underperformed as Leicester Tigers triumphed in the Gallagher Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham.

Their 15-12 triumph completed Tigers' return to English rugby's summit, having only dodging relegation two years ago after Sarries were relegated for salary cap breaches.

Despite losing George Ford to injury, Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese tries put Tigers 12-6 up at the break.

Owen Farrell then levelled the scores with two penalties before Freddie Burns won it with a late drop-goal.

Below, we look at five players who didn't have their finest games

PREMIERSHIP FINAL UNDERPERFORMERS:

#1. Maro Itoje (Saracens)

Mail Online 3/10: "Unusually absent from the game’s biggest moments. Itoje was made to look virtually anonymous on a poor day at the office. Credit to Leicester’s forwards for that."

RUCK 4/10: He uncharacteristically looked tired from the off and didn't manage to get himself going at all. Possibly the poorest he's ever played at Twickenham.

Telegraph 5/10: "Didn’t impose himself like he normally does at Twickenham."

Ellis Genge, Captain of Leicester Tigers looks to side step Maro Itoje of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#2. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Gave away a telling penalty with Leicester parked on Sarries 5 metre line but stayed in the fight, the old bull getting a raptuous reception when leaving the field."

RUCK 5/10: A Tigers legend for sure but his days at their starting tighthead appear to be numbered if today's performance is anything to go by.

#3. Aled Davies (Saracens)

Mail Online 4/10: "Dropped a high ball and then played Goode into trouble on his own line. He was then incredibly lucky not to see red for a high tackle on Montoya. Somehow only a yellow was given."

Telegraph 5/10: "Paper-thin mitigation stopped his yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Montoya being red."

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"It has to be a really conclusive red to send a player off... I think it's the right decision" Did Aled Davies deserve a heavier sanction for his shoulder to head collision on Montoya? 🤔 @ugomonye & @dallaglio8 discuss... #GallagherPremFinal

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3:05 PM · Jun 18, 2022

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#4. Elliot Daly (Saracens)

Mail Online 5.5/10: "Kicked a monster penalty for three points but should have done better defensively on Steward in the build-up to a Leicester score."

RUCK 5/10: Defensively poor, Daly seemed to be going through the motions from start to finish with only one monster penalty to show for his efforts.

#5. George Ford (Leicester)

Mail Online 5/10: "His first shot at goal went awry. Tried to make amends by immediately running the ball back but suffered an ankle injury and was forced off."

Rugby Pass 5/10: " Not how he wanted to finish his time at the club."