Player Ratings: France
OPINION: France wrapped up their 2025 July Series with another defeat, unable to hold on to a two-point half-time lead as they fell 19-29 to the All Blacks.
Still, Fabien Galthié leaves the Land of the Long White Cloud with a clearer picture of who deserves to be in the conversation for a place in his 2026 Six Nations squad.
Francisco Isaac rates the French players:
1. Baptiste Erdocio – 6
A much-improved showing from his series opener. Held up well against Tyrel Lomax and threw in a few big tackles for good measure.
2. Pierre Bourgarit – 7
One missed line-out from six, but that barely told the story. Bourgarit grafted relentlessly off the ball, a key part of France’s effort to disrupt the All Blacks’ rhythm.
3. Rabah Slimani – 6
After an underwhelming return to Test rugby two weeks ago, the veteran Leinster tighthead made a stronger impression here. Played his part in the scrum and brought presence in the counter-maul.
4. Hugo Auradou – 7
Bounced back from a subdued series opener. Denied two tries inches from the line and added 15 tackles in a combative display.
5. Matthias Halagahu – 9
A real nuisance at the line-out and a standout overall. Registered 23 tackles, nabbed two turnovers, and helped shut down Kirifi in a key defensive moment. Galthié surely locks him in from here.
6. Alexandre Fischer – 7
Not quite at the heights of the series opener, but still delivered in defence. Racked up 21 tackles before being replaced at the break.
7. Joshua Brennan – 6
Started brightly but his game unravelled as it wore on. Let Savea slip late on and will know he left points behind.
8. Mickaël Guillard – 8
Relentless from start to finish. Carried hard, tackled harder, and forced one monster turnover. A statement outing from the LOU No.8.
9. Nolann Le Garrec – 9
Targeted by the All Blacks—a mark of respect—and responded with authority. Scored France’s opening try and sparked belief throughout the side.
10. Antoine Hastoy – 8
Stepped into the playmaker role in place of Segonds and looked assured. Managed the game well, slotted a drop goal and threatened with ball in hand. France looked more varied with him at 10.
11. Gabin Villière – 7
Coughed up two penalties but was otherwise excellent. His aerial skills earned three turnovers, one leading directly to Hastoy’s drop goal. Gritty work on the left edge.
12. Gaël Fickou – 7
France missed his leadership last week and he underlined why here. Two key turnovers and a string of tackles helped keep the All Blacks honest.
13. Nicolas Depoortère – 8
Another strong showing from the in-form centre. Snuffed out McKenzie’s threat, made key tackles, and drove France forward with real intent.
14. Théo Attissogbé – 5
The All Blacks figured him out, starved him of kicks and narrowed his options. Showed flashes, but couldn’t make a dent.
15. Léo Barré – 2
Two costly errors gifted tries to Will Jordan and Kirifi. Never settled and looked out of depth at Test level.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Gaëtan Barlot – 4
17. Paul Mallez – 5
18. Demba Bamba – 5
Brought some early aggression but found himself going backwards in the scrum – though Barlot and Mallez didn’t help matters.
19. Romain Taofifénua – 3
20. Killian Tixeront – 6
21. Pierre Bochaton – 6
On for Fischer and held his own. Reliable in defence and got stuck in on support lines.
22. Thibault Daubagna – N/A
23. Émilien Gailleton – 6
Should’ve started instead of Barré. Might’ve freed up Attissogbé to make a bigger impact.
