Check out the France vs Ireland player ratings as Andy Farrell’s men kicked off their 2024 Six Nations with a bonus-point win in Marseille.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content powered by ISUZU.
Scroll down for the full France vs Ireland player ratings.
In a historic victory, the Irish rugby team achieved their largest-ever away win against a 14-man French side in Marseille.
Tries from Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne, coupled with the dismissal of France’s Paul Willemse, put Ireland in a commanding position within the first 30 minutes.
A try by Damian Penaud injected renewed energy into the French team just before halftime. Despite a yellow card for captain Peter O’Mahony, Ireland managed to overcome the hosts and secure a significant win.
Ireland dominated the first half, extending their lead to 14 points with Calvin Nash’s try after Penaud’s score. Despite being the pre-tournament favorites, France fought back with a try from Paul Gabrillagues, taking advantage of O’Mahony’s sin-binning for bringing down the French maul.
Dan Sheehan’s bonus-point-sealing try helped Ireland regain control, and they held on to their lead even as Ronan Kelleher’s late try added the finishing touch to a memorable night for the Irish team.
RUCK’s Player of the Match
Player stats:
- Tackles: CHARLES OLLIVON (France) – 14
- Tackles missed: JOE MCCARTHY (Ireland) – 5
- Carries: GREGORY ALLDRITT (France) – 12
- Metres: MATTHIEU JALIBERT (France) -63
- Defenders beaten: MATTHIEU JALIBERT (France) – 5
- Turnovers HUGO KEENAN (Ireland) – 1
France vs Ireland player ratings:
France: Ramos 5, Penaud 7, Fickou 5, Danty 5, Moefana 5; Jalibert 7, Lucu 5; Baille 7, Mauvaka 6, Atonio 6, Gabrillagues 6, Willemse 1, Cros 7, Ollivon 7, Alldritt (capt) 8
Ireland: Keenan 8, Nash 7, Henshaw 8, Aki 7, Lowe 7; Crowley 8.5, Gibson-Park 8; Porter 7, Sheehan 9.5, Furlong 8, McCarthy 9, Beirne 8, O’Mahony (capt) 7, Van der Flier 8, Caelan Doris 8
PARTNERS LINKS:
- Join RUCK’s Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community
- RUGBY BROUGHT TO YOU BY ISUZU D-MAX
- Secure your seat to avoid the scrum for the 2024 Six Nations with Greene King Sport
- Book your 2024 Six Nations travel with Omio today
NIGEL OWENS DREAM SIX NATIONS XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”