Ireland Player Ratings As World Cup Hangover Cleared With France Hammering

Undoubtedly, one of the most memorable nights for the Ireland rugby team. Ireland dominated the game and  meticulously dismantled a shambolic French side. Despite France being reduced to 14 men for much of the match, it appeared that the result would have been inevitably given Ireland’s performance. From the first quarter, Ireland dominated  physical and consistently challenging the French team who struggled to find any answers to the questions they were asked. The result not only secured a record victory for Ireland on French soil but also marked only the fourth win in France in 64 years, a testament to Ireland’s dominance. 

Here's a look at the individual performances of the Ireland ruby team:

Ireland Rugby Player Ratings - Starting XV:

15. Hugo Keenan – 7/10

A vital early tackle to prevent a French try and another massive tackle just before half time. Popped up in Ireland’s attack with some smart passing and attacking lines. 

14. Calvin Nash – 8/10

Looked very comfortable at this level with some good ball carries and good breakdown work. Took advantage of the poor defending of his opposite number. Great work rate to get a try on his opposite wing. 

We've got a game on our hands 😮‍💨 #GuinnessM6N #FRAIRE @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/Az2aRGyptm

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 2, 2024

13. Robbie Henshaw – 7/10

A very professional performance . Looked very comfortable in defence of the 13 channel. 

12. Bundee Aki – 8/10

Show a great range of passing skills to give Ireland some good attack width. His offload to set up Gibson-Park’s try was subline.  

11. James Lowe – 8/10

That left boot of his is becoming a national treasure. Looked sharp all night with some great aerial work and very strong kicking game.  Won a vital turnover in the 2nd half to stop French momentum. 

10. Jack Crowley– 7/10

His good moments were outstanding in a very mature performance after his pack gave him everything on the front foot .  Got over a few earlier nerves with an early penalty kick. Great pass to put Beirne in for the 2nd try. 

9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8/10

Kept the pace of the game above what France are used too.  Got over for his 6th international try in the first quarter with a great inside support line. 

1. Andrew Porter – 7/10

Left the field after 8 minutes due to a high hit . Put in some huge tackles when France looked to get back into the game. Needs to cut the penalties.

2. Dan Sheehan – 8/10

Nailed his lineout throws to give Ireland a great platform to attack. Got over for the Bonus Point try in a well taken try from a dominant maul.  Ireland’s top tackler with 11 Tackles / 7 ball carries. 

⌚️ Dan Sheehan crashed over the line in plenty of time for Ireland to pick up the bonus point try out in Marseille in the opening round of the Championship 🤩#Breitling #DefiningMoment @Breitling pic.twitter.com/EwDQECkyTM

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 2, 2024

3. Tadhg Furlong – 7/10

 Looked comfortable at scrum time and his lineout lifting was very good. Much of his work in attack was very good around the breakdown. 

4. Joe McCarthy – 9/10

Just a great performance from the young man. Everything he did was outstanding. Brought huge physicality to the ball carrying and defence breakdowns forcing France to over resource rucks. Some big ball carries in the opening exchanges. 9 Tackles / 9 ball carries. 

5. Tadhg Beirne – 9/10

Got over for Ireland’s 2nd try with an outstanding attack line. Slowed much of France’s attack with some great defence work. His lineout steal 5m from the Ireland try lineout was world class. Got through a massive amount of work. 7 Tackles / 12 ball carries. 

6. Peter O’Mahony (Capt) – 8/10

Won a great poach penalty after 8 minutes. His lineout defence work was outstanding. Harshly yellow carded in the 2nd half. 

7. Josh Van Der Flier – 7/10

A quiet opening quarter but he got through a huge amount of work in attack and defence. Won the battle to get the breakdown before the French backrow. 

8. Caelan Doris – 8/10

Took a while to get into the game but when he did he was outstanding. A lovely offload to put Nash over.  8 tackles / 9 ball carries.

Ireland Player Ratings - Replacements:

16·  Ronan Kelleher – 7/10

 Good impact. Forced into defence duties  when he came on for the last 17 minutes. Got himself on the end of a maul to give Ireland a try at the end. 

17·  Cian Healy – 6/10

Great experience off the bench . Stabilised the scrum at a time France looked to get back into the game. 

18·  Finlay Bealham – 6/10

Forced into defence duties  when he came on. Did well in the maul for Ireland’s last try. 

19·   James Ryan – 6/10 

Only so 14 minutes of action. Good defence impact of the bench. 

20·  Ryan Baird– 7/10

Some big carries when he came on. And looked to continue the counter ruck policy that McCarthy brought to the game, after he went off. 

21·   Jack Conan – 7/10

Great impact when he came on. Got on the ball to cause a tiring France problems. 

22·  Conor Murray – 6/10

 Continued to keep the pace high and keep the heavy French pack moving. 

23· Ciaran Frawley – N/A

Made a brief cameo.

Coach– 9/10

A great Irish performance led by an outstanding coaching group. Bench policy was much improved from the World Cup. Some very good, well throughout strike plays that put France under pressure. Hats off to Paul O’Connell for solving the lineout issues from the World Cup – 12 wins out of 12.