9. Alex Mitchell – 7
Good start from the boot with solid clearance kicks. Received medical attention with a wrist issue, but soldiered on in the early goings. Narrowly missed out on a try in support of Tommy Freeman’s miss-placed off-load, and gave a solid showing when sending box kicks into orbit. (Off 69 Danny Care).
1. Ellis Genge – 7
Five stone lighter than the French tight-head Uini Antonio, but held his own in the early scrum. Won a penalty against the 24 stone titan at 10 minutes, for George Ford to have a crack at the posts. Felt the affects of a 33 minute tackle on Antonio, as he buckled under the big man but brought him down. (Off 50 – Joe Marler)
2. Jamie George – 6.5
Solid start at the set-piece, as he held his own against the near tonne of French mass that bore down on him. Good line-out throws, comfortably hit the front middle and back. (Off 50 – Theo Dan)
3. Dan Cole – 6.5
Making the hard yards in attack, as he offered an option off the shoulder for the carriers. Strong early scrums against the far heavier pack, won a free kick at 13 minutes, as he goaded his opponent to go early. (Off 50 – Will Stuart)
4. Maro Itoje – 7
A little bit too late and in at the side when joining a defensive maul, in what hands France a penalty at seven minutes. Received a bit of medical treatment after 25 minutes, as the exhaustive first half took it’s toll. Sent to the deck at 36 minutes, as he is bounced in his tackle attempt.
5. George Martin – 7
Enjoyed the newly employed blitz defence once more,as he flew out of the line and make solid hits. Ditched the head guard in the early stages. Loses the line-out that hands France possession, for the opening try of the match. So entertaining to watch, as he charges around the pitch making hit after hit.
6. Ollie Chessum – 7.5
Ushered into make a series of tackles from the off, as France flung the ball to their heavies from the get go. Made a monstrous hit on Alldritt, sending an ‘oomph’ around Lyon. Adapted well to blindside flanker once again, in what is a new role for the Leicester man. Received some treatment at 51 minutes, as he struggled through injury.