Player Ratings: France
OPINION: Just one point separated the mighty All Blacks and France on Saturday evening, as the impressive hosts took a 30-29 victory over their rivals.
There was a reason why this match had been billed as the big one this weekend, and the theatricals inside the incredible Stade de France truly lived up to its billing.
Jack Tunney rated the French players:
1 Jean-Baptiste Gros – 9
Gros was a vital part of an early penalty scrum win and pushed on from there. The prop put in the performance of a lifetime, continually battering the opposition’s defence with and without the ball. He was not only a brick wall in the tackle area today, he was a brick wall that hit back. A terrific display.
2 Peato Mauvaka – 6
His relationship with the lineout was a shaky one throughout, but otherwise, his general gameplay did the job. He carried well when asked to and put his body on the line in defence. Off at 48.
3 Tevita Tatafu – N/A
Removed from the field after 9 minutes with an injury.
#REPORT: What a match in Paris!?!? #rugby #news #Sports @AllBlacks @FranceRugby #FRAvNZL
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4 Thibaud Flament 8
The tall lock didn’t feature too much in the first half, other than to make the tackles when needed. In the second half he came alive, however, providing a vital defensive performance to halt the threatening All Black attack.
5 Emmanuel Meafou – 8.5
His match started with a huge hit to disrupt the All Black play, and from then on he tackled everything. In attack, the giant lock was unfathomable, as he charged towards the visitor’s line on multiple occasions dragging players with him. Off at 48 after he appeared to be struggling with a niggle.
6 Paul Boudehent – 8
Powerful tackling throughout and regularly had his hands on the ball. A well-taken try concluded a solid performance. Off at 69.
7 Alexandre Roumat – 8.5
It took a while for him to get into the game, notably when a heavy pass of his gave the ball back into All Black hands before giving away a silly penalty at the breakdown all within roughly 10 seconds. He sorted himself out shortly afterwards, however, and went on to top the French tackle count with 18 important crunches.
8 Gregory Alldritt – 9.5
He was constantly threatening the breakdown, coming away with two vital turnovers for his efforts. His work with ball in hand was vital to the French getting front-foot possession and delivering a base for Dupont to feed off. Despite leaving the field in the 48th minute, he led his team in carries and made 16 tackles.
9 Antoine Dupont – 8.5
He controlled proceedings in his typical Dupont manner, appearing to have more time and space than any other player on the field. His evening started with the cheekiest of chips over to Bielle-Biarrey on the wing and continued with a playmaking masterpiece which ended at fly-half for the final 10.
10 Thomas Ramos – 8.5
A huge kick to take the first points of the match would prove a trend as the match continued. Knocking over each kick that was required of him, Ramos proved once again that he was the man for the tight occasion. He did butcher a try down the left hand late into the match when he elected to dart down the centre, but he did help set up the opportunity in the first place so we’ll let him off a little. Terrific from the boot all evening, and can claim the assist for Bielle-Biarrey’s try with a wonderful kick behind the All Black defence.
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 8
Took Ramos’ early kick well, popping the ball back inside to keep the attack alive. Wonderfully cleared up at the back whenever asked, and gassed Sevu Reece on the Ramos kick chase in footage that will surely haunt the All Black winger for years to come.
12 Yoram Moefana – 6
Had some impressive moments, but overall a relatively quiet match in the midfield. Off at 59.
13 Gael Fickou – 6
Always the act of reason, tidied things up when it needed to, but otherwise nothing to write home about. Very quiet as he did his job in the background.
14 Gabin Villiere – 4.5
Flew in for an interception early on, which he missed, allowing Ardie Savea to break through down the wing. He missed a tackle on the same player just moments later, allowing the former All Black captain to offload to Peter Lakai to score. His fortunes weren’t looking likely to improve when he was ripped in the tackle by Beauden Barrett as his side tried to escape their 22. He did help to redeem himself early in the second half when he launched Caleb Clark into touch, and even later when he made an all-important try-saving interception from Will Jordan’s breakaway.
15 Romain Buros – 8
His rangy running style resembled that of Toulouse player Blair Kinghorne, and like Blair he looked dangerous on the counter. A well-taken try from close range proved his gas on the kick chase and made a notable cover tackle on Sevu Reece to cancel out a dangerous All Black attack. Off with injury at 67 minutes.
Replacements – 8.5
Georges-Henri Colombe came on after 9 minutes as an injury replacement. Held the scrum well and made the tackles when needed. Huge hit on Will Jordan at the start of the second half. The forward replacements added an extra layer when they arrived on the field, adding to an already impressive performance. Nolann Le Garrec’s arrival at scrumhalf gave Dupont the freedom to move out to flyhalf.
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