Australia player ratings vs France | eToro Series
The Wallabies came agonisingly close to securing a series clinching victory against the French at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne last night, however were narrowly defeated 28-26 in an enthralling encounter.
Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie would not have been enthused by his side’s inability to start well, as again they found themselves chasing the game, only taking the lead at 26-25 in the 75th minute.
The French capitlaised on a scrum penalty just two minutes later, taking the three points and ensuring a memorable 28-26 victory, their first over the Wallabies on Australian soil since 1990.
Here’s how the Wallabies rated:
1. James Slipper – 7/10
The veteran Wallaby prop had the ascendency in the set piece and was fearless when defending the line. Yet despite his bravery in that facet of play, was prone to falling off the odd tackle. Still a very positive performance.
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6.5
Really worked himself hard in defence, yet a misread off a Jake Gordon box kick opened the door for the French to attack whilst deep in Australian territory – Les Bleus eventually coming away with yet another 3 points. His set piece was essentially sound despite a poor lineout when the Wallabies were well on the offensive.
3. Taniela Tupou – 7.5
Was, as expected, a handful for the French in the set piece and with ball-in-hand, yet what impressed most was his footwork late before contact, allowing himself to maximise his impact in attack. Furthermore, his vision to send a cut out pass to Gordon for the halfback’s try was one for the ages.
4. Matt Philip – 6.5
A far better performance this week than last. Caused the French some issues in the lineout and generally worked himself hard around the park, yet appears to be lacking in the physicality he showed in 2020. Will need to find that if Australia are going to defeat France on Saturday.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 7
Worked tirelessly in defence, yet his ball security into contact at times was questionable. What impressed was he didn’t go missing when the physicality got turned up in the second half.
6. Rob Valetini – 7.5
Defensive weapon for the Wallabies last night. When he hits, he rarely misses and the tackled player stays hit. Was strong in his carries and overall had a very credible test.
Bill Meakes was at the heart of this decisive Giltinis try that helped shape the destiny of the Western Conference playoff picture.
Brilliant analysis from @thecontactcoach ? @usmlr @Giltinis pic.twitter.com/agxGvPaj9l
— The Rugby Network (@therugbynetwork) July 13, 2021
7. Michael Hooper (c) – 8
The Wallabies best forward on the park, if not player. His work at the ruck on several occasions relived pressure for his side. A memorable covering tackle on Baptiste Couilloud most certainly thwarted a French scoring opportunity several phases later. This, coupled with his own try late in the match, illustrated what a complete player he is.
8. Harry Wilson – 7.5
He played ‘Big’ against a large French pack and never took a backwards step. In the second half looked to hit the space more often and caused the French some issues there, however his defence was epic, repelling a number of French raids on the Australian line.
9. Jake Gordon – 7
A much better performance this week. He threatened from the base several times; however, his passing game was not as always as accurate as the side needed. Furthermore, the French employed a number of ‘slow-down’ tactics around the base of the Australian ruck that Gordon should have highlighted to the referee.
10. Noah Lolesio – 7
A solid performance by Lolesio – in him, the Wallabies appear to have found a consistent goal kicker. He varied up the attack when the French were pressing hard on the outside, however, he needs to look to get more second touches in attack as he appears quite dangerous with ball in hand. There were opportunities for that to occur last night, yet he appeared more concerned about being in the right position for the next phase.
11. Marika Koroibete – 8
The best Wallaby back on the night and certainly vying for best player honours with skipper Hooper. He threatened every time he had the ball, be it out wide, or looking for work in tight., He was courageous taking the high ball and ran at the French with great gusto. Felt for him as he appeared to have scored a brilliant try early on that was rightfully disallowed after a Tom Wright knock on in the lead up.
12. Matt To’omua – 6.5
Had a fair crack and had the very hard task of aiming up against a staunch French midfield. Made a few basic errors but was the experienced midfield advisor the Wallabies required to ensure the lesser experienced Lolesio and Paisami had some experience around them.
13. Hunter Paisami – 7
Strong as ever into contact, and looked to also exploit the gaps as opposed to simply seeking direct contact. His ball security was still an issue at times, but despite this he did cause the French some concern both in the inside and wider channels. A fair effort.
14. Tom Wright – 5.5
A talented player who appears down on confidence. His option-taking in possession wasn’t always the soundest and he appears to let the ball control him, rather than controlling the ball himself. Best advice is to simply be more decisive, as his indecision at times is proving costly.
MATCH REPORT:
A fabulous drama unfolded in Melbourne to leave the Australia versus France series undecided as it heads back to Brisbane#AUSvFRA
https://t.co/UVk5x0ExqW— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 13, 2021
15. Tom Banks – 6
Had some moments of attacking brilliance, yet also had a few questionable moments to balance that out. Hasn’t yet put in a performance to cement himself as the Wallabies No 15.
Replacements:
16. Lachlan Lonergan – 5.5
His inexperience appeared to cost the Wallabies an attacking opportunity when he went solo down the short side on an attacking maul and was quickly isolated, costing the Wallabies valuable momentum.
17. Angus Bell – 6
Had some quality involvements but will come under criticism for the scrum penalty in the 78th minute that allowed the French to take the lead. However, he has a case that the French were pushing before the ball was put in, but thems-the-breaks.
18. Allan Alaalatoa – 7.5
Superb impact. Really looked to impose himself on the match, particularly in defence when he put in some serious shots on some of the French forwards.
19. Darcy Swain – 6.5
Came on and looked to impose himself as required.
20. Isi Naisarani – 6
Had some quality touches but his accuracy at the breakdown appears to be an issue that isn’t yet resolved. Certainly wasn’t a passenger on the night.
21. Tate McDermott – 6.5
Looked busy and was trying feverishly to get his side back in the match. Will probably get an opportunity to start next week and stake his claim as Australia’s first choice halfback.
"For multiple reasons – size of economies, infrastructure, the strength of foreign club leagues, natural migration habits driven by non-rugby factors and financial incentives – the Islands are always going to struggle to have first dibs on players." https://t.co/vMNOGVwriC pic.twitter.com/rRTfLvRwaf
— RugbyPass+ (@RugbyPassPlus) July 13, 2021
22. Len Ikitau – 6.5
Came on for his debut and had some quality touches out wide. Certainly appears to have the makings of a test player.
23. Andrew Kellaway – 6.5
Came on for Wright and appeared comfortable with test match rugby. His support play and offload ensured Hooper’s try. I suspect he will get a start this weekend in the decider.
Comments on RugbyPass
Bar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
9 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
35 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
2 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
35 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
35 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
35 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
35 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
35 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
35 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
18 Go to comments