1
What written judgement said about Alex Mann's role in gouging saga
3
France player ratings vs New Zealand | Lipovitan-D July Series 2nd Test
France player ratings: After what was a remarkable performance in the series opener, Fabien Galthié made ten changes for the second Test Match against the All Blacks, and it unfortunately backfired massively against the current men’s Six Nations title holders in this 43-17 loss.
ADVERTISEMENT
With Joris Segonds, Gaëtan Barlot and Jacobus van Tonder far from what they showed one week ago, France went to the break down by 26 points, which gave a chance to Antoine Hastoy to shine.
1. Baptiste Erdocio – 5
The Montpellier loosehead made his debut for France on a night where his scrummaging was effective and gave his team a platform.
2. Gaëtan Barlot – 3
The future UBB operator couldn’t maintain his good form, messing up a few lineouts and missing his mark in a couple of tackles.
3. Georges-Henri Colombe – 4
Not a positive night for the towering tighthead, who was penalised twice in the scrum and failed to make any ground as a ball carrier, even when he looked close to breaking through the All Blacks’ defensive line.
4. Joshua Brennan – 5
Started well with a few solid tackles and carries but was sent off for a tip tackle at a key moment in the game. His lineout work wasn’t capitalised on, with France losing several of their own throws. Still managed to find a bit of redemption with his team’s second try.
5. Matthias Halagahu – 5
Another Test debutant, Halagahu was one of France’s best tacklers in the first half, finishing with ten successful hits and doing his best to keep the All Blacks from inflicting more damage. Tried to make a mark at the set-piece.
ADVERTISEMENT
6. Pierre Bochaton – 6
Bochaton had the near-impossible task of replacing the impressive Alexandre Fischer, but the Union Bordeaux Bègles flanker was one of the few Frenchmen to make an impact in Wellington. The 24-year-old made 18 tackles and snatched one ball from All Blacks possession.
7. Jacobus van Tonder – 4
A real impact sub one week ago, but in his first start for France he was nowhere to be found and missed a few tackles too.
8. Esteban Abadie – 5
Brennan was sent off for an offence Abadie had a hand in, though he avoided any sanction himself. The RC Toulon enforcer was well contained and unable to fully unleash his physicality.
9. Nolann Le Garrec – 7
In an era where Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu dominate the scrum-half jersey, Le Garrec is making his case. The new Stade Rochelais halfback was involved in most of France’s better moments, speeding up the game and creating chances. Kicked 2/2 from the tee.
ADVERTISEMENT
10. Joris Segonds – 4
Like Barlot, Segonds was far from the level he showed in the first Test. Failed to get a grasp on the game and lacked the control needed for such a raw team. His missed tackle on Ardie Savea led to the All Blacks’ fourth try and deepened France’s woes.
11. Émilien Gailleton – 5
Shifted from centre to wing but France’s lack of running rugby meant he rarely had a chance to challenge Eroni Narawa. Steady under the high ball.
12. Pierre-Louis Barassi – 5
Stade Toulousain’s Barassi had few opportunities to show his ability as a ball carrier, so shifted his focus to defence. Tasked with shadowing Beauden Barrett.
13. Nicolas Depoortère – 6
Another UBB player in the XV, Depoortère defended solidly, held the line well, and made life tough for Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor. Ended with 14 tackles.
14. Théo Attissogbé – 5
Fabien Galthié’s decision to move the French wonderkid from fullback to the wing took Attissogbé out of the game. The 20-year-old had flashes of brilliance but the All Blacks kept him boxed in. Still, most of France’s first-half opportunities came from his involvements.
15. Léo Barré – 6
The 22-year-old Stade Français fullback missed the first Test due to injury. Scored a try in the second half and launched several booming kicks. May not have matched Attissogbé’s flair, but remained composed and steady under pressure in France’s 22.
Replacements
16. Pierre Bourgarit – 6
If Barlot lit it up in the first game, Bourgarit took over that role here, helping Les Bleus’ lineout improve in the second half.
17. Paul Mallez – 6
Another more than positive showing off the bench. Mallez outshone Colombe and offered a real challenge at scrum time.
18. Régis Montagne – 6
19. Romain Taofifénua – 5
20. Cameron Woki – 7
UBB’s newest signing arrived at the right time, tidied up the lineout and brought speed and dynamism as a ball carrier.
21. Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer – 5
22. Thibault Daubagna – 5
23. Antoine Hastoy – 7
Even though France lost by 26, Hastoy played a key role in their improved second half. Assisted Barré’s try and brought a more cohesive, assured approach to game management. Might have done enough to earn a start in the series closer.
News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
