Possible Clues:

• Oxidised, corroded
• Out of practice, rugby guy lacks aptitude for a start
• In need of a refresher
• Reliable, though not at first, as out of practice
• Problem with eye after game, initially out of practice
• Out of practice, dependable opener's dismissed
• Like many older Americans' French or Spanish
• That old dog is stiff and a little out of practice
• Reddish, maybe a bit faded