When The Wallabies crossed the forty point mark just after the hour mark the Principality stadium resembled more of a library than a rugby stadium.
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
The famous Welsh atmosphere was nothing compared to games in the past and that might have something to do with the fire drill like scenes after Australia’s sixth try rafts of fans were seeing heading for the exits.
One fan commented, “Wales fans leaving a half-empty Principality Stadium after 60 minutes is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.”
Another added, “Welsh fans heading to the pub early to drown their sorrows. With this performance, who can blame them?”
Someone else remarked, “Wales fans making their feelings clear with their feet. Loads have left with 20 minutes to go, and remember, Wales have a man advantage.”
Another shared, “Being a Wales fan is really tough sometimes, not gonna lie. Still can’t believe some fans left 20 minutes early.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- Sir Ian Botham’s Grandson allowed to play on despite being ‘knocked’ out for Wales against Australia
- Ugo Monye calls out Courtney Lawes ‘bullish**’ live on air following England defeat
- England’s collapse down the world rankings lands them in group of death for 2027 Rugby World Cup
- Ben Earl faces criticism for controversial incident moments before halftime against the Springboks
Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
Here’s how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:
#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?
Average Rating: 4.75/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams’ and Cheslin Kolbe’s tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.” - Express (4/10):
“At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.” - Rugby Pass (5/10):
“Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”
Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place.
#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.” - Express (4/10):
“Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”
Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge’s leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.
#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same
Average Rating: 5/10
- Telegraph (5/10):
“Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.” - Express (5/10):
“Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”
Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.
#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Telegraph (4/10):
“Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.” - Express (5/10):
“England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”
Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.
#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm
Average Rating: 4.5/10
- Evening Standard (5/10):
“Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.” - Planet Rugby (5/10):
“Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.” - Express (3/10):
“First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.” - Telegraph (5/10):
“Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”
Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should’ve been given more game time from the start.
