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England and Sale Sharks come to the same conclusion over George Ford
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France player ratings vs South Africa | Quilter Nations Series 2025
France player ratings: Although France held a 14–13 lead after a strong first half, Les Bleus ended up on the receiving end of a 14-man Springbok side that mounted one of the greatest comebacks in recent memory, triumphing 32–17 at the Stade de France.
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With Romain Ntamack back in the fold, the home side looked in control for most of the opening half but lost their grip in the final quarter as the replacements failed to make any meaningful impact.
Thomas Ramos, Julien Marchand, Romain Ntamack and Anthony Jelonch stood out as top performers, while Gaël Fickou, Mickaël Guillard and Emmanuel Meafou headed in the opposite direction.
1. Baptiste Erdocio – 5
The tough-as-nails Montpellier prop faced some issues at scrum time but gradually found his footing. The loosehead was mostly anonymous in open play and had few chances to punch holes with ball in hand.
2. Julien Marchand – 7
Two superb turnovers in the opening twenty minutes helped put France deep inside the Springboks’ half. Marchand was key to his team’s lead at half-time. He conceded a penalty just before the break, but it was overturned after Lood de Jager’s dangerous tackle. Kept a tidy lineout record and was always eager to carry, finishing with seven runs.
3. Régis Montagne – 6
A testing night for the inexperienced tighthead as Boan Venter forced several scrum penalties, with Montagne struggling to find an answer. The ASM Clermont prop steadied later on, winning a late penalty of his own before the break.
4. Thibaud Flament – 6
The Toulouse lock was everywhere off the ball, offering strong support to carriers and contesting fiercely at the breakdown.
Put on a good showing against Eben Etzebeth in the lineout battle.
5. Emmanuel Meafou – 5
A few solid carries but nothing of note, with Meafou consistently contained by the Springbok pack.
Replaced in the 47th minute without making a major impact.
6. Anthony Jelonch – 7
Jelonch’s physical presence underpinned France’s strong first-half display. The 29-year-old back-rower repeatedly got over the gain line and won the majority of his collisions. Had little left in the tank by the end but was one of the few still fighting as France faded late on.
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7. Paul Boudehent – 6
Despite conceding three penalties, Boudehent had a decent evening, carrying hard and making metres even under heavy pressure. The UBB flanker topped the tackle charts in the first half before being replaced late on.
8. Mickaël Guillard – 5
Fabien Galthié’s biggest gamble made almost no impact on the scoreboard, with the 24-year-old flanker-turned-No.8 having a tidy but forgettable outing. The LOU forward made just four carries, breaching the gain line once before being withdrawn early in the second half.
9. Nolann Le Garrec – 7
With Antoine Dupont still sidelined, Le Garrec continues to make his case for a regular spot in the 23. The La Rochelle scrum-half controlled play well, combining effectively with Ntamack and Ramos. While lacking Dupont’s trademark spark, he was central to France’s composure and tempo before being replaced.
10. Romain Ntamack – 7
For much of the match, Ntamack produced one of his best performances in a France jersey for some time, helping his side cross the Springbok line twice. The Toulouse playmaker linked play superbly, knitting together forwards and backs with ease even under heavy pressure. That slick pass to Ramos leading to Penaud’s second was pure class — the sort of moment that signals a player rediscovering his old rhythm.
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11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 5
The flashy Bordeaux-Bègles wing had a quiet opening half, largely used under the high ball. He came alive after the break with two line breaks but was sent off for a deliberate knockdown with 15 minutes remaining.
12. Gaël Fickou – 4
A subdued showing from the captain. Offered little threat with ball in hand, went backwards in several tackles and looked exhausted long before the final whistle. Illegally halted Kurt-Lee Arendse, stalling French momentum. Far from his best and questions will again be asked of his place in the XV.
13. Pierre-Louis Barassi – 6
Barassi had the better of the midfield pair but was largely uninspired, with only a handful of meaningful involvements. Failed to forge a convincing partnership with Fickou, though he defended solidly with four tackles and a turnover.
14. Damian Penaud – 8
A poacher’s display. Penaud picked his moments perfectly — first gathering a superb Ramos chip, then finishing off another wide pass from his fullback. Might have dealt better with Cobus Reinach’s kick that led to a try, but still France’s main strike weapon.
15. Thomas Ramos – 8
Few players can conjure magic from a half-chance quite like Ramos. His audacious cross-field kick for Penaud’s opener epitomised his class. Accurate from the tee, adding seven points — two of them from out wide — and repeatedly cleaning up France’s messy defensive moments.
Replacements
16. Guillaume Cramont – 6 – A solid debut from the hooker, who caught the Springbok lineout napping to drive France deep inside the 22.
17. Jean-Baptiste Gros – 5
18. Dorian Aldegheri – 5
19. Romain Taofifenua – 4
20. Hugo Auradou – 5 – A few missed tackles and looked heavy-legged even before he came on.
21. Oscar Jégou – 5
22. Maxime Lucu – 5 – While not responsible for France’s late collapse, Lucu failed to bring the control or urgency needed.
23. Nicolas Depoortère – 5
