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Ireland player ratings v France | 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations
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Ireland came up short in their quest for revenge over France for last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat, going down 26-7 in Clermont in the Women’s Six Nations.
Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald’s early try gave Ireland the perfect start, and in a tight game the two sides could not be separated at half-time tied at 7-7.
But Carla Arbez took over the second half for France as they eased clear, continuing Ireland’s wait for a first win over France since 2017.
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Here is how the Irish players rated in Clermont…
15. Stacey Flood – 8
Heroic in defence at times in that second half. Two try-saving tackles plus a shuddering hit and turnover combination. Saw plenty of ball in attack as well, albeit probably didn’t get the desired return. Still, immense on defensive contributions alone.
14. Béibhinn Parsons – 6
Will always carry and tackle admirably when asked, but Ireland’s inability to get their best strike runner on the ball while in space shows the evolution still required in their attack.
13. Aoife Dalton – 6
Came off second best in some collisions, albeit her defensive workload was good. In a game defined by physicality, Ireland probably needed more from their outside centre.
12. Nancy McGillivray – 6
Another who had a quiet day. Defensively busy, less so in attack. Ireland got a real spark when Eve Higgins came on to replace McGillivray with just under half-an-hour to go. Not an indictment on the Exeter centre, but she will probably look to impact games more.
11. Robyn O’Connor – 5
Harsh perhaps to mark wingers down, given it’s not always their fault if the attack inside them struggles to offer chances. Could Ireland’s wide players come in field in search of more work more often?
10. Dannah O’Brien – 6
Started off beautifully with a sweeping run and pass that bought an early yellow card from a panicked French defence. Two bad misses with line kicks that went dead, plus her kicking from hand was a touch long and predictable.
Womens Six Nations
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
England Women
3
3
0
0
15
2
France Women
3
3
0
0
15
3
Italy Women
3
1
2
0
6
4
Ireland Women
3
1
2
0
5
5
Scotland Women
3
1
2
0
4
6
Wales Women
3
0
3
0
2
9. Emily Lane – 7
An unusually narky display, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for a nine. Started off with good speed of ball from the base. Got frustrated by French carriers killing the ball as the game went on, diminishing her impact on the game. Will be disappointed with the spill that chalked off Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald’s would-be second try.
1. Ellena Perry – 6
Did her part in holding down a scrum that allowed Djougang to go after Mwayebe and earn some dominance. Physical early doors on both sides of the ball.
2. Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald – 8.5
Ireland’s best player. Another who was narky, getting into it off the ball with Mwayebe. Took her try, unlucky to not have a second while her defensive breakdown work was excellent.
3. Linda Djougang – 7
Had the better of her opposite number in the scrum. Was effective with subtle footwork prior to contact as well. We say it every week, but she is probably Ireland’s most important player.
4. Dorothy Wall – 7
Ireland’s top carrier. She went to the well time and again when asked to carry into French behemoths. A deft offload was a rare moment of Irish skill to go with the attempted brawn. It should have led to a score, only for Grando to somehow hold Tuite up.
5. Fiona Tuite – 6.5
Will look at being held up as a big moment, potentially a turning point. On paper, should back herself to get the ball down when being tackled by a wing, even if it was excellent defence. Ran the lineout well and busied herself on both sides of the ball.
6. Brittany Hogan – 6.5
Held up over the line and then used her knee illegally to propel herself over – an infraction spotted by the TMO. Hard to fault, really, for these moments, but maybe she would have liked to make a few more strong impacts on the ball?
7. Erin King – 7
Two very important breakdown turnovers that, temporarily at least, relieved some defensive pressure. As things went wrong around her, she did well but, as captain, may reflect on how Ireland managed the game when hammering away in vain inside the 22.
8. Aoife Wafer – 7.5
Immense in the carry, as always. Came up with breakdown turnovers, again, as always. France at times looked ready for her, happy to cede a few yards in contact knowing the carry was coming. You’d wander, if she starts to free the arms more in contact, can she add an offloading game that would see Ireland start to rival the French attack?
Replacements – 6
Just minutes after Scott Bemand made five changes in one go, Ireland conceded a crucial score. Lacked the impact required to win collisions and turn this game on its head – Eve Higgins aside who was excellent in a welcome return to form.
