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England player ratings vs France | 2022 Six Nations
Despite a good second half display, England slipped to a 25-13 defeat against Grand Slam champions France in a pulsating atmosphere at the Stade de France. This saw the visitors conclude a disappointing Six Nations in third place – where they head Scotland on match points difference.
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After his well-resourced team finished fifth in Europe’s premier competition 12 months earlier, Head Coach Eddie Jones was subjected to a detailed ‘debriefing’ exercise by his RFU bosses which absolved him of all responsibility.
However, despite Autumn Series wins over Australia and South Africa, again finishing with two wins from five Six Nations starts suggests little has progressed in the intervening 12 months and with France 2023 now only 18 months away Jones surely has some serious questions to answer.
Most concerningly, England have scored only three tries against their four former Five Nations rivals while Jones’ endless selectorial tinkering has seen only five players start all five of their 2022 contests.
France led 18-6 at the break through tries from Gael Fickou and Francois Cros plus eight points from the boot of Melvyn Jaminet.
Marcus Smith kicked two penalties for England who then forced their way back into contention when the Harlequins’ no.10 converted Freddie Steward’s third-quarter try.
However, Antoine Dupont’s 61st minute converted score eased French nerves whereafter les Bleus held on with relative comfort.
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🏅 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘁 !
Pour sa 40ème et dans ce #crunch décisif pour le Grand Chelem, Antoine Dupont est élu homme du match ! Bravo Toto 🤩👏#FRAANG #LeTournoiEstBleu #NeFaisonsXV @Dupont9A pic.twitter.com/jxNCodglJ6
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) March 19, 2022
15. George Furbank – 6.5
A controversial choice at full back, the Northampton no.15 started confidently with a lovely floated pass to Nowell but then made a terrible error by taking a long kick into touch. Thereafter enjoyed a competent evening under the high ball in addition to countering usefully.
14. Freddie Steward – 7.5
Moved to the right wing with the objective of using his 6ft 5 frame to out-jump the considerably shorter Gabin Villiere, Steward claimed a couple of high balls with impressive leaps before going on to grab an important try early in the second half.
13. Joe Marchant – 9
In the absence of any sizable midfield colleagues Marchant was regularly required to truck the ball into a pair of huge opponents which he did with some success including a brilliant line which created Steward’s try early in the second half. Another superb display.
TRY!
A huge boost for England 🏉 Joe Marchant breaks and Freddie Steward dots down in the corner 🏴
FRA 18 – 13 ENG#ITVRugby pic.twitter.com/sAWxkRLhPf
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 19, 2022
12. Henry Slade – 6
Regularly used as a left-footed kicking option, Slade also worked hard to create with ball in hand.
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11. Jack Nowell – 5.5
Lucky to avoid a card when referee Peyper found his clumsy aerial challenge on Mervyn Jaminet was the result of earlier French obstruction. Replaced by Elliot Daly – who then became the third specialist full back in the visitors’ back three – after suffering a wrist injury in the 27th minute.
10. Marcus Smith – 8
Gave us an early indication of England’s game plan by kicking first phase ball away twice in the opening three minutes. Released Furbank with a lovely piece of footwork and well-timed pass to create his team’s best first half attack. Kicked his goals reliably and kept the French defensive line guessing with an intelligent display in which he carried for a best-of-the-day 97 metres.
9. Ben Youngs – 6
His loose box kick gave France a good early attacking opportunity but England’s most-capped player otherwise put in another reliable display in which he measured his options to good effect.
The perfect start for France! 🏆#GuinnessSixNations | #FRAvENG pic.twitter.com/Mq81nAOIYC
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 19, 2022
1. Ellis Genge – 8.5
The visitors sprung a surprise by using the Leicester prop from deep as an open-field ball-carrier where he beat four defenders and made 78 metres in the first half. Scrummaging against the giant Uini Atonio, Genge was penalised on England’s second scrum feed then on France’s opening put-in. Made an incredible cover tackle which prevented Romain Ntmack from scoring.
2. Jamie George – 7
Blossomed with ball in hand as England enjoyed a bright spell after the break. Threw in reliably to an England lineout which functioned smoothly. Played the full 80 minutes.
3. Will Stuart – 6.5
England’s pack were in the unusual situation of being 50kg lighter than their opponents so the 130kg Bath prop brought useful heft in the tight and with ball in hand before giving way in the 50th minute.
4. Maro Itoje – 6
As ever, England’s talisman put himself about in the loose forcing a couple of useful turnovers in addition to playing his part in the tight.
It had to be him! 🙌
Antoine Dupont goes over to move France clear of England again #GuinnessSixNations | #FRAvENG pic.twitter.com/PZmRsNlAnj
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 19, 2022
5. Nick Isiekwe – 5.5
Solid enough in the lineout but Isiekwe, who made seven tackles, made no headway as a carrier.
6. Courtney Lawes – 7
Put in a big shift in both attack and defence, England’s skipper very much led from the front against huge and well-organised opponents.
7. Sam Underhill – 8.5
Making a first 2022 Six Nations start Underhill put in a typically uncompromising shift in which he tackled himself to a standstill (completing 11 in the first half alone) and battled hard on the ground.
8. Sam Simmonds – 6.5
England’s main back row ball-carrier lacked nothing in effort but found the French defence much harder to pierce than he does when wearing an Exeter shirt against club sides in the Premiership. England’s second most prolific tackler with 12.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Nic Dolly – Unused
17. Joe Marler – n/a
Took over from Genge with 15 minutes remaining.
18. Kyle Sinckler – 6
Replaced Stuart in the 50th minute and scrummaged steadily.
19. Ollie Chessum – n/a
Made an immediate impact by charging down Antoine Dupont after replacing Isiekwe on the hour mark.
20. Alex Dombrandt – n/a
Charged down a Jaminet drop goal attempt immediately after his 64th minute arrival before going very close to claiming England’s second try with a powerful run.
21. Harry Randall – n/a
Replaced Youngs in the closing stages as part of Jones’ last throw of the dice.
22. George Ford – n/a
Replaced Furbank with three minutes remaining.
23. Elliot Daly – 6
Replaced Nowell ahead of the half-hour mark and performed steadily in defence and as a kick chaser.
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 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.
1 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.
15 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.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to comments