England coach Steve Borthwick expressed absolute confidence that his team will make significant progress, despite concluding their Rugby World Cup preparations with a loss to Fiji.
In a less than optimal conclusion before their World Cup opening match against Argentina in Marseille on September 9th, Fiji secured their first-ever victory over England.
On Friday, New Zealand faced a historic defeat as All Blacks lock Scott Barrett was red-carded during the most substantial loss in the team’s history against the Springboks.
Saturday evening proved to be challenging for Andy Farrell as well, with Ireland concluding their World Cup preparations in an unconvincing manner, rallying from behind to secure a victory against Samoa.
As the start of the 2023 Rugby World Cup looms, several prominent stars faltered during their respective teams’ final outings.
Weekend’s results:
- New Zealand 7-35 South Africa
- England 22-30 Fiji
- Italy 42-21 Japan
- Scotland 33-6 Georgia
- Ireland 17-13 Samoa
- Spain 3-62 Argentina
5 players who underperformed this weekend:
#1. Freddie Steward – England
Telegraph 3/10: “Ubiquitous in the warm-ups, the only player to start all four, but saved his worst until last. Could not catch a cold – admittedly in the midst of a downpour.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Turnovers in his game have become a concern and there were more here. Showed little in attack and also couldn’t shut the door as last man for the opening two Fijians tries, the second concession on 53 minutes the prompt for him to be subbed for Marcus Smith.”
Planet Rugby 2/10: “Great under the high ball but one-on-one defence isn’t good enough. Lacks pace and it’s exposed when England’s first-up rearguard is missing tackles.”