France player ratings: Le Bomb Squad decimates Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes in stunning victory
France's Maxime Lucu after the final whistle against Ireland while Oscar Jegou and Thibaud Flament celebrate the former's try.
After their 42-27 Six Nations victory over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, here’s how the France team performed on Saturday.
15 Thomas Ramos: The Toulouse star was his usual accurate self off the kicking tee but also asked plenty of questions of Ireland’s defence with his brilliant attacking skills. Finished with a 17-point haul courtesy of four conversions and three penalties. 8
14 Damian Penaud: The 28-year-old returned to the run-on side after being dropped for their victory over Italy in Round Three but justified his selection with a fine attacking display. It was a memorable match for the 28-year-old as he crossed for his 38th Test try which equals France‘s try-scoring record in internationals. 8
13 Pierre-Louis Barassi: He was only on the field for 47 minutes, before leaving the field due to injury, but delivered a solid performance up to that stage. A willing ball carrier and solid on defence. 6
12 Yoram Moefana: The Bordeaux Bègles star tested Ireland‘s defence with some strong carries in midfield but made his biggest impact on defence where he finished with 12 tackles made. 7
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey: The 21-year-old continued his outstanding try-scoring form as he crossed for a brace of five-pointers with his second score a contender for the Six Nations‘ try of the Championship. Continued to be a handful on attack and finished with 41 metres gained which included two defenders beaten. 8
10 Romain Ntamack: Returned to action after serving his suspension and delivered a solid all-round performance as he impressed with his playmaking skills and was brave on defence where he made nine hits. 7
9 Antoine Dupont: The jewel in the French crown lasted just 28 minutes before limping off due to injury but was in the thick of the action during his time on the field. Showed his class with a superb assist to Bielle-Biarrey for the opening try and eventually gained 53 attacking metres, including three defenders beaten. 8
Solid shift from the forwards
8 Gregory Alldritt: The La Rochelle star was in the thick of the action from the outset but, despite making little headway as a ball carrier, he put in a huge defensive shift and competed ferociously at the breakdowns. Replaced by Anthony Jelonch early in the second half. 7
7 Paul Boudehent: The 25-year-old took the fight to the Irish as a ball carrier as he gained 46 metres from nine carries which included one clean break and a crucial try just after half-time. Also did his bit on defence with 11 tackles made. 8
6 Francois Cros: The Toulouse tearaway did not make a big impact with ball in hand but caught the eye with an outstanding defensive effort as he led the way in that department with 17 tackles made. Received a yellow card in the game’s closing stages for a cynical defensive foul. 7
5 Mickaël Guillard: The 24-year-old impressed in the execution of his core duties as he did well in the lineouts and on defence where he made 14 tackles. He left the field in the 49th minute with Emmanuel Meafou coming on in his place. 7
4 Thibaud Flament: Another player who got through plenty of work at the coalface of France’s forward effort as he was a valuable source of lineout possession, did his bit as a ball carrier and shone one defence with 13 hits made. He was replaced by Hugo Auradou in the game’s closing stages. 8
3 Uini Atonio: The experienced prop came to the fore with a strong scrummaging display but also shone in defence where he got through plenty of work with eight tackles made. Replaced by Dorian Aldegheri early in the second half. 7
2 Peato Mauvaka: The Toulouse hooker was on the field for 49 minutes – before being replaced by Julien Marchand – but was solid during his time on the field with his biggest impact made on defence where he made 10 tackles. 7
1 Jean-Baptiste Gros: The Toulon front-row continued with his fine work from the previous matches as he stood up well in the scrums and put his body on the line in the execution of his defensive duties, making 10 tackles. On the field for 49 minutes before Cyril Baille replaced him. 7
Replacements: Much was said about Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie’s decision to opt for 7-1 split on his replacements bench but, just like the Round Three victory over Italy, France’s ‘Bomb squad’ was superb as they did what was required of them by providing the necessary impact. From Maxime Lucu, who came on for Dupont just before the half hour-mark, to the forward changes, which were made en masse early in the second half, and Oscar Jegou’s introduction in the backline for the injured Barassi, all the replacements were brilliant and played a big part in Les Bleus’ victory. 10
