Ireland Player Ratings v France

October 31, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Ireland fell to France in their final Six Nations game of the year as they failed to secure the title.

Andy Farrell's men fronted up against a French side that were on top of their game. Cian Healy, Robbie Henshaw and Jacob Stockdale all scored in the defeat.

Here is how we rated the Irish in Paris:

15. Jacob Stockdale - 4

A few errors at the back while trying to deal with France's kicks and could not prevent Dupont from regathering Fickou's chip over the top. Had a few long clearances and wasn't as too effective on attack. Looked to be on his way to making a stellar break in the latter stages before he fumbled the ball. Scored a nice try to finish the game.

14. Andrew Conway - 4

Anonymous on attack for a second week running. Saw little ball come his way,

13. Robbie Henshaw - 7.5

Scored a phenomenal try on the hour mark and was super in defence making some excellent hits.

12. Bundee Aki - 6

Some powerful hits and carries as per usual but Aki did have some sloppy moments including an odd grubber that eventually lead to Ntamack's try.

11. Hugo Keenan - 5

Grabbed a try assist and made some good metres on attack but he was caught out defensively a number of times.

Ntamack and Dupont turned the speedster multiple times and he just couldn't dal with the pressure.

10. Jonathan Sexton - 6

Stabbed some excellent kicks deep into the France half to keep the hosts pinned into their half in the first forty.

However, he put in some aimless kicks in the second half and shot up in the build-up to Dupont's try.

Inconsistent decisions with penalties also cost Ireland.

9. Conor Murray - 6

Kicked superbly in the first half and controlled Ireland's tempo well as they dominated possession. However, he was a bit off the pace in the second half as France took over the game.

1. Cian Healy - 6

Started the game well with some excellent work in the scrum and he was rewarded when he powered over from close range.

A HIA disrupted his game as he returned to the pitch.

2. Rob Herring - 5

Solid in defence and in clearing out rucks but had a limited impact on attack.

3. Andrew Porter - 5

Laid down a marker with his first scrum but Gros did get the better of him in the second.

4. Tadhg Beirne - 6

Made 11 carries and tested the French defence. He got over the ball well at the breakdown and was a real workhorse.

5. James Ryan - 8

Almost back to his best with excellent carries and tackles racking up 14 carries and 13 tackles.

Excellent in the lineout and was solid overall.

6. Caelan Doris - 5

Cost Ireland a penalty try that you couldn't really blame him for doing. He made just two tackles in the game as he flew into rucks and made just five carries.

7. Will Connors - 6

Continued to perform his chop tackles but wasn't impactful on attack. He was pulled after 54 minutes.

8. CJ Stander - 8.5

Ireland's best in Paris. He was robust with his carries, tackled well and was a menace at the rucks. He won a key penalty in the 64th minute with France attacking dangerously and did so again moments later after Murray missed touch with the kick from the resulting penalty.

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan - 5

Ireland's lineout didn't function well once he came on but he threw his weight around on both sides of the ball.

17. Ed Byrne - 5

Solid enough around the park but struggled against Bamba in the scrum.

18. Finlay Bealham - 5

19. Ultan Dillane - 5

20. Peter O’Mahony - 6

Tackled well and won a turnover in a solid 30 minute shift.

21. Jamison Gibson-Park - 5

Picked up the pace of the Ireland attack in the latter stages but some of his pass were wayward.

22. Ross Byrne - 6