Ireland player ratings vs France | 2024 Guinness Six Nations
Ireland player ratings: Ireland, while not at their absolute best, capitalized on a French shortfall, managing to secure a decisive 38-17 bonus victory over their hosts in Marseille.
France may be accused of not turning up, but the truth was once Ireland’s boot was on their neck, the men in green simply didn’t let up.
1. Andrew Porter – 6
Shipped a heavy collision with just eight minutes on the clock from Paul Willemse. Came back on after his HIA, but struggled to contain mass monster Uini Atonio at scrum time. Won a turnover to kick off the second forty, playing himself into the game after passable first half.
2. Dan Sheehan – 6
Sheehan’s lineouts were near immaculate, even if – try aside – his impact around the park was significantly below par for him. Showed resolve in the face of heavy defensive duties, which was the biggest piece here.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 5
Furlong was a mixed bag, losing key scrum battles and failing to make his presence felt in the tight. Contributed with a few solid carries and link play, showing glimpses of his capability without fully imposing his will on the game.
4. Joe McCarthy – 8.5
A revelation in the second row, the Leinsterman’s athleticism and physicality were a pivotal part of the Irish effort. Ran out of steam in the second half.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 8
Beirne was everywhere, stealing balls at the breakdown, charging down kicks, and making crucial tackles. His versatility shone brightly tonight and his 29th minute true was no more than he deserved.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 7
Fired up. Was in the trenches early doors, winning turnovers and scrapping for everything. His experience and tactical nous kept the team focused and fierce. Stayed in the fight, with a 10 minute sin-bin break adding to his energy levels.
7. Josh van der Flier – 6
Van der Flier displayed his characteristic work ethic and tenacity, albeit in a performance that didn’t quite hit the high notes we’re accustomed to.
8. Caelan Doris – 8
Doris had a relatively quiet start to the game by his own high standards. Despite a few flashes of his ability to break the line and his usual defensive solidity, the first half largely passed him by. He grew into the game though, his fitness shining through and by the end was displaying the main character energy Ireland have come to depend on.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8.5
Gibson-Park’s quick decision-making and sharp passing dictated the pace of the game, keeping the French defense guessing. Took his 17th minute try with aplomb.
10. Jack Crowley – 6
Crowley seemed lost at times at the Stade Velodrome, with poor kicking choices costing Ireland on occasion. Was a spectator for Damian Penaud’s try just before halftime, although it was as much a system failure as poor positioning on his behalf. Against that, he showed he can mix it will ball in hand, a short pass to Beirne putting the big lock away for Ireland’s second try. His decent kicking form off the tee in the second half saved him from a 5.
11. James Lowe – 8
One of the few Ireland players that seemed dialed in from the off, his kicking game was first class. His defensive reads and execution have improved out of sight from his early Ireland career bumbling. Didn’t see much of him with ball in hand but it was that type of night.
12. Bundee Aki – 8
Aki’s physicality in the midfield set the tone, his defensive reads and hard carries provided the backbone for Ireland’s attack. After years of Test mediocrity, he has become maybe the most effective centre in the game.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 7
Henshaw’s return was marked by a really competent outing at 13. Was a brick wall in defence, while showcasing his full range of skills in attack.
14. Calvin Nash – 6.5
A decent outing from the rookie winger, who showed promise on the odd time he saw the ball. The right place at the right time to score on debut in the 47th minute. Sadly picked up an injury in the dying moments of the game.
15. Hugo Keenan – 7
Keenan’s defence and reliability under the high ball were exemplary. Popped up in attack when required, without shining in that department.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ronan Kelleher – 7
In the brief period he was on the field, Kelleher showed promise, adding spark to Ireland’s forward pack and was good value for his 77th minute try which put the cherry on top of Ireland’s performance.
17. Cian Healy – 6
The veteran prop brought stability and power to the scrum in his two spells on the pitch.
18. Finlay Bealham – 6
Looked solid with relatively little time to impress.
19. James Ryan – 6
Coming off the bench with limited time to make an impact, Ryan put in a gutsy effort.
20. Ryan Baird – 6
Baird’s athleticism didn’t come to the fore, with the lock failing to inject energy into the side with so little time.
21. Jack Conan – 8
Conan, introduced into the match with not enough time to fully unleash his potential, still managed to display his physicality and eagerness in both attack and defence.
22. Conor Murray – NA
Murray, entering the fray in the 72nd minute, had little opportunity to leave a substantial mark on the game, but was a steady hand at the tiller.
23. Ciaran Frawley – NA
Wasn’t given an opportunity to make a case for himself.
Comments on RugbyPass
One significant tell, not a single Waratahs player stopped to whinge to the ref about Finau’s tackle. They got on with playing the game. Great tackle.
8 Go to commentsWouldn’t be a bad move if Ireland pulled into SA with a young side. Particularly in Pretoria. Invaluable experience getting thumped in the bosveld.
53 Go to commentsIreland. The Princess Diana of Rugby. I never cheered so much for a team as i did for the All Blacks in that QF.
53 Go to commentsWill be great to see the Leinster first XV back in action again after their cotton wool time…
1 Go to commentsLooked up Grant Constable on google and reply was doppelgänger for Ben Smith
53 Go to commentsIt is so good that we now all get excited and debate who is best and emotionally get involved. We all back our teams which is great. Up until about 15-20 years ago, NZ was basically on its own, and then Saffa, Aussie and sometimes French and English were there. We now have at least 5-6 really top sides and another 4 who keep improving. This is so healthy. So we should not resort to rubbish comments and unhealthy debate, but rather all be chuffed that the product we watch is not competitive, exciting and often uncertain. It would be so good if World Rugger could find a way to align the rules to professional players as well as spectators. Live rugby games are SO boring as there is SO much down time as we wait for refs and TMOs and whoever else to look at every small event going back endless phases with the hope of eventually find a minute infringement to then decide cancel what was a wonderful try. This is the ultimate cork back in the bottle moment and feels like every balloon is always being popped. Come on- we must be better with the rules.
53 Go to comments“upon leaving said establishment I tripped over a stool knocking some bottles into the air and as I fell I accidently dislodged a police officer’s teaser who was passing by on an unrelated matter there by landing on said taser which caused it to discharge 50,000 watts into me. Out of shock I shouted Ireland are going to win the world cup. Upon waking up I apologised for the distress caused by my Ireland comment. The matter is closed. If you wish to pursue this matter may I remind you what I told Wayne Barnes when he sent me off. I AM A BIG ASS MAN”. Or was it “I AM A BIG ASS, MAN” or was it “I AM A BIG ASSMAN”?
1 Go to commentsThe only championship the Boks hold are: Great value for the incompetence of referees during the RWC Moaning endlessly and champions of spewing utterly ignorant 💩 at all times. Displaying the dangers of a third world education End of.
53 Go to commentsSouth Africa and Rassie do a phenomenal job of treating the 4 years in between World Cups as nothing more than a training exercise to build squad depth. The Six Nations money that keeps Irish rugby afloat is unfortunately too important to allow the same approach, and basic population size means we'll never get close to matching the depth of South Africa, England and France. That being said, Irish rugby is in a relatively good place and slowly improving inch by inch. If the other three provinces can pull the finger out and actually develop some players it'd be even better.
53 Go to commentsGood on Clarke for taking on the criticism and addressing his deficiencies, principally his laziness.
2 Go to comments“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.” Why did Darcy make that joke knowing it would be used as click bait? Why did RP headline it as a serious comment? Anyway, the tired comment isn’t very astute. SA players may have played more games etc. Darcy over estimated as a pundit.
53 Go to commentsNot sure Frisch will ever make the French team with Depoortère and Costes waiting in the wings to take over from Danty and Fickou.
1 Go to commentsThe Irish are tired and the Boks are old. The test series won't confirm who is best in the world, it will confirm which team needs to pursue the task of rebuilding with the most urgency.
53 Go to commentsGrant, the first time I have seen an article written by you. Maybe I have missed your previous stuff. These days all professional players effectively play a common season so all top players are equally tired, or rested. That is the job of the coaching ticket to build squad depth and juggle resources so players are ‘ fresh’ when the big games come. Possibly Ireland are less inclined to juggle squad compared to Rassie, who is prepared to take the risk to rest players as well as build depth throughout the year so come WC he has a full squad, experienced and rested enough to win 7 games. After all, to win WC you need to get through the tournament and then win the final big 3 games. Ireland should try and build a bit so come final 3 they are ready. So far only played final 1(QF). I am so looking forward to the Irish tour. Hopefully Rassie has enough time to align his guys, as he draws them from across the globe, and not from 2 sides locally( eg Leinster, Munster). No excuses, going to be exciting.
53 Go to commentsIn football, teams get fined and sometimes docked points for deliberately fielding weakened teams yet Leinster can pretty much do as they please with no comebacks. Could it be because Ireland run the URC? Could it be that Ireland run the ERC? Whichever it is, it stinks!!
6 Go to commentsIreland are only the People’s Champions in Irish eyes. The rest of the world do not care for them very much because of attitudes of people like Gordon, Ferris, Best, Jackman…I could go on!!
53 Go to commentsNot sure how Karl Dickson can ever ref a Quins game, he played for the club for 8 years as understudy to Care and is still close friends with half the team
3 Go to commentsAre bookies taking bets on how many times Vunipola's eventual statement will use the term “elders"? My money is on at least 4 times.
4 Go to commentsSo Ireland will be tired, despite having the most rested test squad in the world. They only play tests, champions cup and urc play off games ffs! Case in point; Leinster sent a B squad to SA for their last two games while their first xv rested up and trained at their leisure for the sf vs Saints at the so called ‘neutral venue’ of Croke Park. So tired? Do me a favour… And as for “people’s champions”? Seriously??? Outside of Ireland they are respected for their ability to win 6N. And of course plenty of inconsequential test friendlies without any real pressure. WC ko games when the pressure is white hot? Not so much…
53 Go to commentsSurprising how standing down or benching a player can do wonders for their motivation. Several players this week in that category.
2 Go to comments