Ireland player ratings v France: Sam Prendergast’s ‘mare’ and a ‘brainless’ tackle ends Grand Slam bid in dismal fashion
Our Ireland player ratings following their Six Nations defeat to France.
Following France’s 42-27 victory over Ireland in the Six Nations, here’s how we rated Simon Easterby’s charges in defeat.
Ireland player ratings v France
15 Hugo Keenan: As solid as ever in the backfield and Ireland’s most dangerous attacker, gaining well over 100 metres with ball in hand. He tried his utmost in all facets of the game but Ireland were just outplayed in the latter stages of the game. 6
14 Jamie Osborne: No lack of effort from the Leinster man who shifted from full-back onto the wing for this fixture. He was dealt a tricky hand with having to deal with Damian Penaud and did so admirably for much of the match. He was wrapped up well by the brave French defence and was not a liability when France attacked. 5
13 Robbie Henshaw: Offered little in attack, which was not entirely his doing as he saw precious little ball. Defended rather well but did shoot too late for Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s second try. 5
12 Bundee Aki: A bright start from the powerhouse centre but he petered out as the game went on and was subsequently replaced in the final quarter. Perhaps Ireland’s choice not to go with a 5-3 split was costly as Aki was never going to go the distance. 4
11 Calvin Nash: His yellow card proved to be a match-defining moment in what was a rather forgettable performance by the usually excellent Munsterman. He was brought into the starting XV at the last minute and didn’t make the most of his opportunity with France getting real purchase when attacking his wing. 4
10 Sam Prendergast: After a rather strong first half, including two penalties to keep Ireland in touching distance, the young fly-half had a stinker of a second half. He made multiple soft errors, was driven backwards when he carried to the line and frankly, his errors were incredibly costly for Ireland at pivotal moments. The talent is certainly there but today was just not his day. Picked off right at the death too and France pounced. A real mare. 3
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Never really has a poor game and today was no different. He played a big role in applying the pressure on France in the early knockings of the match with some excellent game management but Ireland just did not make the most of it. 6
Back-rower
8 Caelan Doris (c): The Ireland skipper certainly can’t be pointed to for the defeat as once again he was one of the best forwards on the pitch and arguably his team’s finest today. He was powerful in the carries, gaining over 50 metres and relentless in defence, winning two turnovers before being forced off with a concussion. 7
7 Josh van der Flier: Utterly outplayed by his opposite number Paul Boudehent who was simply world-class. Defended admirably but was rather quiet on the other side of the ball. 4
6 Peter O’Mahony: Lucky to get away with a few infringements with some rather kind officiating. But the rub of the green went the other way for a crucial call with many claiming that he attempted to milk a penalty. Again a real weapon at the lineout. It’s not the result the Ireland legend deserved in his final home outing but it wasn’t his best showing either. 5
5 Tadhg Beirne: One could argue that he was fortunate not to be carded for his clear-out on Antoine Dupont that ended the captain’s match. Still, he was one of the brighter lights in a bleak performance from the men in green. 6
4 Joe McCarthy: A brainless tackle off the ball cost his team dearly as France made the most of the penalty to score the opening try of the match. At that point, Les Bleus were simply holding on with Ireland dominating and his subsequent yellow card only made matters worse. Pretty quiet thereafter. 4
Front row
3 Finlay Bealham: Held his own in the scrums against Jean-Baptiste Gros. Solid as ever around the park but today perhaps more than most, Ireland missed Tadhg Furlong. 5
2 Dan Sheehan: Uncharacteristically quiet around the park for much of the first half. His lineout darts were sharp but he was not at his usual standard. He grabbed a try in the second that helped the scoreline look more respectable. 6
1 Andrew Porter: Like his fellow front rower, he held his own in the scrums but was busy as per usual around the park. 5
Replacements: The likes of Conor Murray and Cian Healy played with real vigour to make the scoreboard look more presentable as they bowed out in their final home game. However, the match was largely decided by that stage. 7
