IRELAND suffered at the hands of France in an epic battle in the Stade de France on Saturday
Ireland started on the back foot in France as the home side were able to take an early lead through star man Antoine Dupont. The French followed up with three more spreading the gap to 10.
Mack Hansen produced some magic catching the ball from kick-off and finishing in the corner to reduce the deficit to 10-7.
However, the half-time score saw the French leading 19-7, taking advantage of the Irish indiscipline
The away side took the game to France after the restart with two quick tries to leave a point in the game.
However, France had the answers to see out the game for a 30-24.
Check out our player ratings from the loss below.
Player Ratings:
1. Andrew Porter – 7.5
Never shied away from contact, making the gain-line in the majority of his carries. Conceded two penalties at scrum time but was able to disrupt French ball, winning a penalty here also.
2. Ronan Kelleher – 6
Not found his feet in the tournament as of yet. Still looks like a real threat but is capable of a lot more. Carried powerfully through the game, linked up with Beirne for a good days throwing.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7.5
Really beginning to look like the Furlong of old again. Showed exceptional hands catching and passing smoothly throughout the game. Emptied the tank and being a real problem for the opposite pack. Should be content with h[is performance.
4. Tadhg Beirne – 9
Able to be the shining light the visitors needed throughout the game. Displayed physicality, hands, kicking- a real utility player! The Munster lock was consistently in the center of play.
5. James Ryan (Captain) – 6
An unusual off day for the stand-in captain. Faired better in the second half than in the first but just struggled to find his finished product. Can’t fault effort throughout game.
6. Caelan Doris – 6
The young back row was in and out of the game throughout the 80. Displayed an excellent defensive performance though with 16 tackles. However, conceded three turnovers and a couple a penalties. Can only go up from here.
7. Josh Van de Flier – 6.5
Was part of an Irish backrow that wasn’t able to compete with the French counter ruck. Scored a try off the back of a maul and worked his socks off all day.
8. Jack Conan – 6
Has seen many better days in an Irish jersey. Never seemed to find his feet making just seven meters. Decision-making was off, just an uncharacteristic performance for the Leinster man.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8
Saved the forwards a lot of headaches producing quick ball for the majority of the game. A couple of rushed passes and stray box kicks let him down a little bit. Took his try very well creating it with genius wit.
10. Joey Carberry – 7.5
Found himself in a position he didn’t expect to be in at the start of the week. Grabbed the game with both hands leading form the front. Place-kicking was excellent. Needs to continue at this level to find his game again after being out for so long.
11. Mack Hansen – 8
Second game in an Irish jersey, and already he is giving the fans a glimmer of hope for a marvelous winger. Scored an outrageously skillful try and consistently able to do something when on the ball.
12. Bundi Aki – 7
Having a good tournament so far. Wasn’t able to impose himself physically as he normally does. Worked hard all day and impresses almost every time he’s on the ball.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7
As impressive as his center partner so far in the championship. Missed a tackle early doors but never stopped making up for the mistake. Consistently made the gain line when given the ball.
14. Andrew Conway – 7
The Munster man chased everything with no mercy. Contested multiple aerial battles. Struggled a little bit with opposite number Villiere. Overall not his best performance but still showed his class.
15. Hugo Keenan – 6
Not a typical Hugo Keenan performance. Has been the perfect replacement for Rob Kearney being consistently brilliant. However, made too many uncharacteristic mistakes. Showed glimpses of his typical self but couldn’t find his feet.
Replacements:
Dan Sheehan – 7.5
Gave a comforting performance for coach Andy Farrell, producing some great carries, accurate throwing and an excellent work rate. Slotted in easily. Should be interesting to see if he’s in next weeks team.
Iain Henderson – 6.5
Showed why his name should still be in this team. Carried aggressively, worked hard no real faults in his game.
Other players:
Cian Healy, Finley Bealham , Peter O’Mahony, Jack Carty and Robbie Henshaw were all afforded a minimal amount of time to be rated fairly.
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