France player ratings vs Scotland | 2023 Summer Nations Series
France player ratings: Considering this was a second-string France side, you might have expected a drop in standard from the Les Bleus of late, but there was to be no such relief for Gregor Townsend’s Scotland, in the first half at least.
France were staggeringly good in the first half considering their selection, even if their second-half performance was night and day from the scalpel-sharp first forty.
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros – 6
The prop put in a solid shift in the scrums, holding his own against the Scottish front row. Displayed good work rate around the park but could have added more impact in open play.
2. Pierre Bourgarit – 7.5
The La Rochelle showcased his dynamic ball-carrying and accuracy at the lineout. His defensive efforts were on point too, a crucial jackal relieving pressure at 48 minutes with the French line beckoning.
3. Demba Bamba – 7
Bamba had a strong outing, contributing to the set-pieces and showing glimpses of his potential as a powerful tighthead prop. Showed his real carrying option in the loose.
4. Cameron Woki – 7.5
Woki was a standout performer in the second row, making crucial tackles and securing lineout ball with precision. His all-action presence in the pack was crucial to France’s forward dominance but ran out of steam in the second 40.
5. Bastien Chalureau – 6
A towering presence at 6’8 and 124kg Chalureau provided physicality and defensive grit in the second row, the late-blooming 31-year-old proving a handful for the Scottish pack.
6. Paul Boudehent – 6
A specimen in the French back row, Boudehent’s work rate in the back row was commendable, offering support in both attack and defence. However, he will be looking to add more dynamism to his game in future test matches but fell away in the second half here.
7. Sekou Macalou – 7
Macalou was a menace at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers and disrupting Scotland’s attacking flow. His work rate, athleticism and defensive tenacity stood out.
8. Yoan Tanga – 6
Winning his third cap, Tanga showcased his competent ball-carrying skills and was effective in his defensive duties. Not the biggest No.8 but packed plenty of punch.
9. Baptiste Couilloud – 7
The Lyon scrum-half controlled the game well, providing quick service and making intelligent decisions. His accurate passing and tactical awareness were key to France’s high-tempo game plan, and he took his try well.
10. Matthieu Jalibert – 8
Jalibert was the standout player for France, pulling the strings for the French with his playmaking skills and astute decision-making and high-tempo approach to things. A scuffed drop-goal aside, his precise goal-kicking and kicking from hand stood out.
11. Ethan Dumortier – 5
Dumortier had a steady if somewhat subdued performance on the left wing, showing good positioning and defensive awareness, but he didn’t hit the heights we saw in the Guinness Six Nations. He didn’t see much-attacking ball to be fair.
12. Yoram Moefana – 6
Moefana provided stability in the midfield and contributed well in defence. Very nearly caught Duhan van der Merwe napping to pounce in the corner but for a replay showing he was in touch.
Emilien Gailleton – 8
First touches don’t come better. The debutant’s strong running lines and elusive footwork caused problems for the Scottish defence. His defensive efforts were commendable, making him a valuable asset in France’s backline.
14. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 8
Very, very lucky to escape sanction for a swinging arm into Ben White, but other than that a really strong debut for the right wing. His exceptional pace and composed demeanour for the first French try suggest a bright future ahead for this promising young player, and he backed it up with a fantastic solo try on 25 minutes.
15. Brice Dulin – 6
Dulin was reasonably solid at fullback, offering a safe pair of hands under the high ball and regularly cannoned balls back into the Scotland 22. His blushes were saved after he was bumped off by Blair Kinghorn on his way to an apparent try, only for the effort to be disallowed.
REPLACEMENTS – 5
France’s bench struggled initially, putting on a lacklustre performance against a 14-man Scotland team. However, they almost secured victory in the end, showing determination and resilience. Peato Mauvaka, Reda Wardi, and Sipili Falatea had a slow start but came alive in the latter stages of the game. Paul Willemse and Dylan Cretin’s contributions nearly turned the tide in France’s favour. Despite playing below par initially, Baptiste Serin, Antoine Hastoy, and Arthur Vincent nearly guided their team to a hard-fought win against the reduced Scottish side.
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 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!
3 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.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments