France player ratings vs Scotland | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
France player ratings: After Fabien Galthie side failed to deliver in Marseille, the scene was set for a French bounce back in Murrayfield against the Scots, who in contrast came off a skin-of-their-teeth win against Wales 7 days previously.
But the French bounce back never really came and what ensued was a dreary effort in the Scottish capital. Luckily for Galthie and co, Scotland inexplicably rolled over to be tickled with 20 minutes left on the clock.
1. Cyril Baille – 6
With the exception of a crucial penalty just before halftime, Baille failed to make a dent against a surprisingly robust Scottish scrum, with the Scots edging the scrum battle over the 80. His usual impact in the loose was also somewhat muted.
2. Peato Mauvaka – 5
Deserves flack for his part in France’s utterly shambolic lineout, which combined with a failing scrum left the French with basically no platform to attack. Wasn’t the force in the loose that you’d expect either.
3. Uini Atonio – 4
Showed high game IQ to strip Ben White at the back of a maul with 3 minutes on the clock but it was all downhill from there for the La Rochelle man. Kept collapsing at the scrum and once again was sent to the sin-bin was a clumsy challenge. You can’t help but feel that the 145kg prop is a yellow or red card waiting to happen every time he takes to the pitch.
4. Cameron Woki – 4
Although active around the field, Woki’s performance was marred by uncharacteristic errors in the lineout and a lack of discipline, resulting in turnovers that cost France valuable possession.
5. Paul Gabrillagues – 4
At sixs and sevens at lineout time. Struggled to make his presence felt with minimal impact in attacking play and a decent tackle count aside, he needs to show more.
After an incredibly tense finish France come out on top 🔥 #sagerugby #rugby #SCOvFRA pic.twitter.com/reJATYJEJx
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 10, 2024
6. Francois Cros – 6
Cros offered a dollop of nuisance factor at the breakdown and his defensive work rate was high, often stopping Scottish attacks dead in their tracks. Tackled himself to a standstill.
7. Charles Ollivon – 6
Part of a French back row that kept the French pack in the fight, despite the lacklustre efforts of the tight five.
8. Gregory Alldritt – 6
As with Ollivon, Alldritt’s performance was critical in the trenches. His ball-carrying broke the first line of defence on occasions and he kept doggedly to the task before going off with a nasty-looking leg injury.
9. Maxime Lucu – 6.5
Under huge pressure to from the French press after failing the fill the figuratively big boots of the absent Antoine Dupont. Lucu provided a clean service and kept the tempo reasonably high, although he was often pressured by Scotland’s defensive rushes. His kicking game was mostly on point, helping France manage field position.
10. Matthieu Jalibert – 4
His tactical kicking often misfired and he gifted Scotland far too many easy turnovers. On the plus side, the Bordeaux man’s passing game couldn’t be faulted, even if Les Bleus‘ attack felt a little directionless at times. Looks like a player whose confidence is shot.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 6
Defended poorly for Scotland’s first try, biting in to leave the French cover chasing shadows. Elsewhere found himself isolated and unable to break free from Scotland’s tight defensive net, limiting his opportunities to showcase the pace and finishing abilities he’s known for. His rather, lithe 79kg frame led to him being repeatedly rag-dolled in contact. Brought a bit of magic in the 69th minute against the run of play.
12. Jonathan Danty – 5
Danty’s usually formidable physical presence was neutralized by Scotland’s midfield, who matched him in intensity and denied him the chance to make significant ground.
13. Gael Fickou – 7
Better from Fickou. His experience and defensive acumen were vital in marshalling the French defence, while his 14th-minute surge should have resulted in a try, even though he probably should have given it to Bielle-Biarrey on his outside. His 31st-minute corner flagging effort brought France back into it.
14. Damian Penaud – 5
Kept quiet in the first half and didn’t see much more of the ball in the second half, barring a few unforced errors and maybe one half-decent dink through.
15. Thomas Ramos – 6
One of the brighter French lights at Murrayfield – which wasn’t saying much – and by gods it was a busy afternoon for the Frenchmen. His counter-attacking runs added an extra dimension to France’s otherwise lukewarm attack, while his kicking from both the tee and out of hand was mostly on the money.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Julien Marchand – 6
Marchand’s entry brought increased stability and aggression to the French forward pack, making his presence felt in the scrums and mauls.
17. Sebastien Taofifenua – 5.5
Slightly improved the scrum’s performance upon entering, though his contributions in open play were limited.
18. Dorian Aldegheri – 5.5
Helped stabilize the French scrum with his introduction, offering marginal improvements in the tight phases.
19. Posolo Tuilagi – 6.5
Is he living up to the massive hype that perhaps has been unfairly placed on his shoulders? Added some physicality – some noticeable carries and counter rucks standing out – but at times seems to be more spectator than active participant.
20. Alexandre Roumat – 6
Brought noticeable energy and made some impactful contributions in the loose, offering a slight lift to the team’s performance.
21. Paul Boudehent – 6
Roumat’s energy off the bench was evident, making a handful of impactful runs and being involved in the breakdown.
22. Nolann Le Garrec – 5
Introduced an increased tempo and showed glimpses of creativity in his attempt to reinvigorate the French attack, although his passing was sloppy on occasion.
23. Yoram Moefana – 6
Brought some additional energy to the backline, looking to test the Scottish defence with his runs, albeit without decisive breakthroughs.
Comments on RugbyPass
Let’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
3 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
1 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
3 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
3 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to commentsInteresting comments about Touch. England’s hosting the Touch World Cup this year and the numbers have exploded since their last World Cup in 2019, something like 70% more teams and 40 nations taking part. And England Touch have made a big thing about how many universities are in their BUCS University Touch Championship as well as Sport England membership. Can only see this growing even more domestically as more people become aware of it
10 Go to comments“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.
3 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
3 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.
4 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.
38 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
4 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…
2 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 comments