France player ratings vs Scotland | 2023 Summer Nations Series
France player ratings: France didn’t quite reign supreme in the St-Etienne hot-box, a stadium which will host four Rugby World Cup games later this year, but there were many flashes of brilliance to admire nonetheless.
At times this was France at their very best, even if their concentration levels waned in the second half as Gregor Townsend’s men fought back.
Here we rate Fabien Galthie’s charges following their late-night encounter with Scotland.
1. Cyril Baille – 7.5
Baille’s scrummaging prowess laid a solid foundation for France’s dominance in the set-pieces. His work rate around the park was superb as usual, making those hard yards for France when it counted most. Worryingly went off with a calf injury.
2. Julien Marchand – 7
Marchand’s pinpoint lineout throwing and his physicality in the loose added a much-needed dimension to France’s attack.
3. Dorian Aldegheri – 6
A slow start but Aldegheri’s contribution at the scrum was notable, even if he struggled to make the desired impact in open play. A solid display from Toulousain but left room for more. Replaced by Atonio in the 49th minute.
4. Cameron Woki – 7.5
Woki’s athleticism and ability to disrupt the Scottish ball made him a standout, but he made his fair share of errors too. His mobility across the field was impressive though, and he gets an extra half-point for his work at the breakdown.
5. Thibaud Flament – 6
Flament’s lineout work was commendable, but he didn’t quite hit the heights we saw during the Six Nations. A below-par performance by his own high standards, but by no means a poor one.
6. Paul Boudehent – 7
France rookie Boudehent’s work rate in the breakdown and his willingness to get stuck in were pivotal for France. His energy seemed boundless, even if he slightly dipped in the latter stages.
7. Charles Ollivon – 8
Leading by example, Ollivon’s leadership shone through as he constantly rallied his troops. A menace at the breakdown, his all-round performance was an inspiration and he deserved his 44th-minute try.
8. Gregory Alldritt – 8
This writer had been critical of Alldritt’s form in the Six Nations but he was back to his best here. Barnstorming runs and unwavering commitment, the La Rochelle man was a bulwark in defence and a force in attack. A few spills but who’s counting?
9. Antoine Dupont – 8.5
Supreme darting runs and pin-point passes had Scotland chasing their tail at times. His tactical awareness was a game-changer, and his assist for Romain Ntamack’s opening French try was just sheer craftsmanship. As Dewi Morris said in a commentary: ‘Everything goes through this nine’.
10. Romain Ntamack – 8
Took his 31st-minute try brilliantly off an attacking dart from Dupont off an attacking scrum. His orchestration of the backline showcased his playmaking abilities. His tactical kicking kept the territorial battle in France’s favour, although a few missed tackles held him back. Limped off after 54 minutes to add to Fabien Galthie’s anxiety levels.
11. Gabin Villiere – 7
A brilliant turnover in the 27th minute that very nearly set up Dupont. Villiere’s elusive running and power in contact troubled Scotland’s defence. Nearly scored a remarkable try in the 70th minute but for a blindside hit from Ollie Smith.
12. Jonathan Danty – 7.5
Danty’s crash-ball running added a directness to France’s attack, which they badly miss when he’s not playing. His physicality in the midfield stood out, but a couple of handling errors took the shine off.
13. Gael Fickou – 6
Not exactly vintage Fickou but his usual defensive solidity and clever distribution kept France’s backline ticking. Lucky to get away with a cheap-shot on Rory Sutherland.
14. Damian Penaud – 8
The Bordeaux-bound winger’s power and pace troubled the visitors’ defence on numerous occasions and took just two minutes of the second half to ghost through the Scottish cover for a 5-pointer. Unlucky not to claim a second 5 minutes later.
15. Thomas Ramos – 7.5
Ramos’ composed performance at the back provided stability to France’s defensive line, while his boot was as deadly as ever. His counter-attacking flair added an extra dimension, injecting pace in the 44th minute to put Ollivon away on his inside for a breathtakingly French effort.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Pierre Bourgarit – 7
A position of real strength for France. Bourgarit’s introduction injected renewed energy into France’s front row. His carrying and work rate around the field was there for all to see.
17. Jean-Baptiste Gros – 6
Gros’ scrummaging prowess added solidity to the set-pieces. While his contributions in open play were notable, a couple of errors marred what could have been a higher rating.
18. Uini Atonio – 8
Atonio’s heavyweight impact in the scrums was unmistakable, causing headaches for the opposition pack. His ball-carrying ability and physicality made a significant difference as France pushed for dominance in the final quarter. Winning the late scrum penalty was worth a weight in gold.
19. Florian Verhaeghe – 5
Got precious little time to make an impact but did his best in the limited timeframe afforded to him.
20. Bastien Chalureau – 6
Chalureau’s arrival added a fresh dimension to France’s back row, his aggression at the breakdown particularly.
21. Sekou Macalou – 5
Scotland forwards had the best of the late exchanges and Macalou was maybe a little lightweight for the job at hand.
22. Maxime Lucu – NA
Not really on long enough to rate, coming on for Dupont in the 69th minute.
23. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 5
They call him ‘The Scooter’ in France and the speedster’s late entry into the fray didn’t deter him from trying to make an impact but his defence needs work.
Comments on RugbyPass
“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
2 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to comments