A tough evening in Paris for Andy Farrell’s battling team. Stripped of his captain the day before the game, Sexton probably wouldn’t have been able to stop the French in this mood in front of their home crowd. It was a gutsy 2nd half performance that saw Ireland gain a losing bonus point. From the first box kick, Ireland were a team in a complete panic as their attack lacked accuracy in shape and passing as they struggled with the linespeed and aggression of the French defence. The scrum creaked under the immense pressure of their opponents, and uncharacteristically, Ireland’s lineout disintegrated. But a huge 3rd quarter by Ireland got them the bonus point and threatened to take an unlikely victory. Here's our Ireland player ratings from Ireland v France.
Ireland v France: Ireland Player Ratings
15 Hugo Keenan - 6
Another busy performance as he was much better this week under the high ball tactics of France. Some nice moments by him in attack in the 2nd half with a linebreak and beating 2 defenders. Struggled with his breakdown skills in the wide channels.
14 Andrew Conway- 6
Chased everything and made life tough on Jaminet. Didn’t see much of the ball in attack.
13 Garry Ringrose- 7
Like those around him, he fought hard throughout the game as he lived off very little quality possession. Made some important tackles (7)
12 Bundee Aki - 6
Didn’t get the same time or space he got last week and his passing skills struggled with the relentless defense of the opposition. Took up the challenge when France had the ball and put a stop to a lot of French attacks with 10 tackles.
11 Mack Hansen- 6
Incredible skill to record his 1st try of the championship. His defence doesn’t match the energy of his attack and he will need to show improvements in this area if he is to cement the 11 jersey.
10 Joey Carbery - 7
He tried hard to step out of the shadow of Sexton with some exceptional touches and a range of passing and kicking. He needed to play flatter and squarer to get his forwards into the game. His place kicking was excellent under huge pressure.
9 Jamison Gibson Park -5
Outside of his brilliantly taken try, it was a poor performance from the first box kick, as he struggled with his passing and decision making. His try got Ireland back to within 1 point of France in the 2nd half.
1 Andrew Porter - 7
Under incredible pressure in the scrum and very good in defence, with some huge impact tackles and poaches. 7 tackles and 6 ball carries.
2 Ronan Kelleher- 7
He met the physical challenge head-on with his aggressive ball carrying and clear-outs. In the 25th minute, he was forced to leave the game due to an injury.
3 Tadhg Furlong -8
Worked hard to stay in the fight during scrums. A great battle between him and Baille.
4 Tadhg Beirne - 8
Played himself to a standstill. He looked to get on the ball as much as he could. He defended heroically against a physically dominant French team. Incredible left-footed 50:22 .
5 James Ryan (Capt.) – 7
The captain battled hard and leadfrom the front with his 11 tackles and 4 Ball Carries. He will be disappointed with the unit’s lineout performance in the 1st half.
6 Caelan Doris - 8
A busy defensive performance with 18 tackles. Cameinto the game when he switched to No.8.
7 Josh Van Der Flier - 7
He didn’t get on the ball as much as in previous games as he had to resource a lot of rucks. Was blasted out of breakdowns when he tried to get on the ball. His performance deserved his try early in the 2nd half. Made16 tackles.
8 Jack Conan- 6
A quiet afternoon from the Irish No. 8 as Ireland’s passing skills failed to find him in the outside channels. He found himself in more of a defensive role with his 7 tackles.
SEE ALSO: Brian O'Driscoll Questions Ireland's Decision To Go For The Posts Late On In Paris
Ireland v France - Replacements
Dan Sheehan 8
On as an early replacement for Kelleher into a Parisian caldron. A timing issue on an early lineout throw led to the Irish revival at the start of the 2ndhalf with his trademark ball carrying. His tackle on Jaminet in the last 3 minutes was world-class and saved a bonus point.
Cian Healy 6
Only saw 8 minutes of action.
Finlay Bealham 6
Only saw 8 minutes of action.
Iain Henderson 7
Was physical when he came on and eager to get on the ball. Great turnover won late in the 2nd half.
Peter O’Mahony
Was not on the field long enough – went off with a head injury.
Conor Murray 7
Cameon at the right time. Show great game knowledge against a tiring French defence.
Jack Carty
Only on for 2mins
Robbie Henshaw - 7
When he came on, he was a big physical ball carrier. He made some important tackles in the 2nd half
Coach – 6
Andy Farrell will be proud of the team’s 2nd half performance in this Ireland v France fixture, but it was a tactically naive performance with the attack shape, breakdown and lineout.
SEE ALSO: Brian O'Driscoll Questions Ireland's Decision To Go For The Posts Late On In Paris
