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France player ratings vs Fiji | Quilter Nations Series 2025
France player ratings: France are back to winning ways, as Fabien Galthié’s side managed to put down a spirited Fiji team that looked more energised in the opening quarter of the second half, with the hosts claiming a 34-21 win.
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With a few forced substitutions in the opening half, France got back on their feet and earned a win after four consecutive losses.
Charles Ollivon returned to action and was one of the few players performing at his best level, with Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand and Nicolas Depoortère following the flanker’s lead.
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros – 7
Tough and sturdy as an anvil, Jean-Baptiste Gros recorded a good outing against Fiji, knocking a few ball carriers backwards and standing his ground even when the opposition had taken over the game’s momentum.
The RC Toulon big man came off ten minutes into the second half, having completed 16 tackles and worked tirelessly in his 40th cap for Les Bleus.
2. Julien Marchand – 8
Bagged France’s second and kept his team’s lineout functioning until he was subbed off, making good ground from his carries. Physically, he was one of the few who really took the challenge to Fiji, going low to chop down some of the visitors’ main threats. Although Galthié replaced the hooker early, Marchand is undoubtedly one of France’s in-form players.
3. Régis Montagne – 6
The Clermont tighthead earned another start and, after a wonky performance against the Springboks, was able to show a bit more, although he was less visible than Jean-Baptiste Gros. That unstoppable 52-minute scrum was one of Montagne’s highlights, putting his legs to good use, despite Thomas Ramos missing the conversion.
4. Charles Ollivon – 9
Charles Ollivon is inevitable, and France dearly missed the utility forward since he ruptured his ACL back in January. The veteran destabilised the Fijian lineout, completing two steals, one of which was just five metres short of his team’s in-goal area. The flanker rarely made mistakes and was a force of nature, contesting Fiji’s physicality well. He was the shining light when his teammates looked on the brink of collapse.
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5. Romain Taofifenua – 5
Worked well as a set-piece operator and produced a couple of bone-clashing carries, but his defensive performance was a bit off, as the experienced lock missed key tackles that allowed Fiji to build momentum.
Conceded a couple of soft penalties and struggled to keep pace with the tempo demanded against Fiji.
6. Anthony Jelonch – 7
The nature of the game meant Anthony Jelonch had to focus more on France’s second curtain of defence, saving his side a few times when Fiji threatened to break through. The blindside was fully aware of his responsibilities, gnawing away at Fiji’s main threats and showing heart in another solid performance.
7. Oscar Jegou – 5
Jegou’s indiscipline was all over the place, conceding a handful of penalties that kept Fiji alive for most of the first half. Due to Barassi and Gailleton’s injuries, he was forced to play as a makeshift centre for much of the game, which heavily penalised his performance.
8. Grégory Alldritt – 7
Fans expected Alldritt to justify Galthié’s selection U-turn after being left out last weekend, but it took time before he was back to his best. His first-half energy simply wasn’t there, but after the break he returned with renewed spirit, getting heavily involved in the victory. Pulled off a formidable jackal a few metres from the French try-line, preventing Fiji from scoring a fourth.
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9. Maxime Lucu – 7
Started brightly, stitching France’s attack together with quick service and tempo, but seemed to lose pace after that collision with the goalpost. Was involved in Fiji’s second try, missing a try-saving tackle, though the main errors came from Taofifenua and Ntamack. After Fiji’s third try, Lucu rallied his side, gradually cleaning up France’s act before Thomas Ramos added two penalties to put them ahead.
10. Romain Ntamack – 6
Had moments of brilliance, connecting well with his backline, but looked disjointed whenever the game descended into chaos. He may take time to return to peak form, but the fly-half held France together after Fiji’s equaliser and created several effective passages.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 7
Far more involved than in last weekend’s outing, the French roadrunner was a handful, beating seven defenders and making a line break. Although he ended scoreless, Bielle-Biarrey was always a moment away from producing something astonishing. Missed only one tackle and limited Selestino Ravutaumada’s space out wide.
12. Pierre-Louis Barassi – N/A
Kept his place and repaid Galthié’s trust with a velvety display, setting up France’s first try before being forced off injured.
13. Nicolas Depoortère – 8
The exciting UBB centre scored his first Test try, linking perfectly with Barassi to the delight of the home crowd. Brought plenty of aggression on the carry, consistently winning the gain line and providing a lifeline when France appeared physically second-best. Added a second, sustaining several tackles before crashing over.
14. Damian Penaud – 7
Like many teammates, he was excellent until Fiji’s first try, after which he drifted into the doldrums of an erratic French performance. Recorded nine tackles, chased Ntamack and Ramos’ high balls well, and applied good pressure to Rayasi and Wainiqolo. Key contributor to France’s third try.
15. Thomas Ramos – 7
Not a memorable outing from Toulouse’s fullback, but solid enough to deny Fiji a second win on French soil. Added 14 points from the tee and tried to involve himself in counter-attack. However, he made several poor decisions in open play, kicking away possession when better options were available. Ended the game in the sin-bin after illegally slapping a loose Fijian ball near his try-line.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Maxime Lamothe – 6 – Positive debut from the hooker. Held his own when Fiji were trying to wrestle back set-piece control.
17. Rodrigue Neti – 6
18. Thomas Laclayat – N/A
19. Jimi Maximin – 6 – A few good tackles from one of tonight’s debutants. Brought good energy to the French pack.
20. Hugo Auradou – 6
21. Paul Boudehent – 6
22. Baptiste Jauneau – N/A
23. Émilien Gailleton – N/A
