Wallabies player ratings: Fraser McReight ‘incredible’ once again but Joe Schmidt’s ‘fly-half woes continue’
Fraser McReight and Declan Meredith in action for the Wallabies against France.
Following a 42-26 defeat to France in the Nations Championship clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the Wallabies.
15 Tom Wright: A couple of spectacular 50/22s set up the position for Australia scores as his kicking game drained the energy from the French. One error in the carry but he also had his moments with ball in hand. He had a poor second half, but it was Wright’s excellence which gave them a shot. 7
14 Max Jorgensen: Considering his finishing prowess, Jorgensen would have been disappointed to drop it over the line despite being under pressure. It summed up what was a relatively quiet evening for the wing. 5
13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: Has had his critics over the past 12 months but Suaalii was far more prominent here. One half-break and off-load showed the skill set he has, while his pass out to Jorgensen should have resulted in a try but, like Wright, he was less influential in the second period. 6
12 Len Ikitau: Passed more than he carried as Ikitau was relatively quiet by his high standards. Solid enough on both sides of the ball, but not his usual standout effort. 5
11 Dylan Pietsch: Mopped up well in backfield but not too many chances to attack. Had his hands full with Theo Attissogbe, but Pietsch was solid enough against the French speedster. 5
Fly-half woes continue
10 Declan Meredith: The latest fly-half to be tried out in what has been a problem position under Joe Schmidt. Meredith had a poor start as he was caught out for the visitors’ opening try and it didn’t get much better after that. Some poor decisions throughout. 4
9 Ryan Lonergan: Had a good first half by putting tempo into the game when the Wallabies had an opportunity, and he controlled matters pretty well from the base. Couldn’t do anything about the second period when the French simply upped the ante before going off. 7
8 Harry Wilson (c): One big carry into the France defence, but it was Wilson’s defensive effort which was particularly excellent. One of the game’s top tacklers as he chopped down the big French carriers time and time again. 7
7 Fraser McReight: You wonder what the Wallabies would do without the openside flanker, who was absolutely superb once again. Two tries and turnovers at the breakdown, while he tackled his heart out and was always in support in attack. Incredible display despite being on the losing side. 9
6 Rob Valetini: Tasked with getting his side on the front foot via his brutal carrying, but he probably wasn’t quite brutal enough against Les Bleus’ behemoths. Some great surges in traffic which sees him end very much in positive, but he can be even better. 7
5 Jeremy Williams: Solid shifts from the second-row but couldn’t quite give the Aussies the punch the French had from their locks. Williams was willing but perhaps missed a few too many tackles. 5
Bemusing omission
4 Josh Canham: Not much better than last weekend unfortunately. Won a turnover but softness in defence meant he missed a staggering five tackles. The omission of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is looking more bemusing by the week. 4
3 Allan Alaalatoa: Worked hard in the opening period, winning a turnover and making his tackles, while he also scrummaged really well. Their scrum has looked a real weapon so far this season. 6
2 Josh Nasser: Only played a few minutes before he was taken off due to injury. N/A
1 Angus Bell: Excellent in the opening period, whether it be scrummaging or making his hits. Bell was an influential presence in the first half and they missed Bell’s energy around the field when he went off. 7
Replacements: The front-row continued to move forward in the set-piece but there wasn’t enough scrums for them to get reward for it. Elsewhere, they were disappointing as France dominated matters after the break. The forwards were dominated by the French and the backs couldn’t string anything together. 4