In the 80-minute showdown between England and Argentina in the Rugby World Cup third-place playoff final at Stade de France in Paris, Theo Dan’s presence was felt across the field.
He showcased his versatility by chasing down kicks, executing lineouts, attempting tackles, crossing the try line, and even, if a viral Twitter clip is accurate, engaging in some physical confrontations.
Steve Borthwick’s squad made history by securing third place in the tournament with a thrilling but intermittently interrupted 26-23 triumph over Argentina.
This sequence of events unfolded as the Saracens hooker successfully scored a charge-down try, seconds after he failed to make a crucial tackle, allowing Gloucester playmaker Santiago Carreras to score for the Pumas at the opposite end.
On the ‘punch’, one fan wrote: “How on earth is this okay???”
A second commented: “It was nothing – stop being a drama queen.”
Another said: “Absolutely nothing. Open palm push into back. Too many cheap shots on players after scoring.”
“English players are so hard to like no matter how much you want to do so.” wrote a fourth.
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“Absolute stinker 2/10″ – Three players who flopped for England against Argentina
Questions now loom over several players’ futures as they prepare for the 2024 Six Nations.
#1. Henry Arundell
Rugby Dump 2/10: “First touch he gave away a penalty after 48 minutes, poor lad. Second touch was a kick to nowhere. Could have been given a 10 rating if he got the ball, we’ll never know.”
Telegraph 3/10: “What a waste of talent. From five tries against Chile to not touching the ball until 50 minutes when he miscued a kick and gave away a penalty.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “I mean, what was the point of him being there? England just didn’t give him the ball as he spent his evening chasing kicks. Such a shame “
Rugby Pass 2/10: “Took 48 minutes to touch the ball only for his scuffed kick to tempt Will Stuart offside despite Arundell making his catch. His only other note was getting flat-footed around halfway at the start of the move that led to the first-half Argentina try.”
Mail Online 4/10: “At last given a chance to start. You wanted to see him in possession but, frustratingly, it just didn’t happen. Not all his fault but needs to look for the ball more. Didn’t receive a pass from a team-mate.”