All Blacks Player Ratings vs France: Autumn Nations Series

Sunday, 17 November 2024 at 09:41

byruckadmin

By Paul Wilkinson

Check out our New Zealand player ratings vs France, from their third Autumn Nation Series game at the Stade de France in Paris.

France replicated their performance in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, beating New Zealand 30-29 under the lights in the French capital.

Tries from Romain Buros, Paul Boudehent, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, accompanied by the boot of Thomas Ramos, saw France become the first team in New Zealand’s northern hemisphere tour to beat them. This win sees France claim their third consecutive win over the All Blacks, which is only the second time in the country’s history that they have won three on the spin.

1. Tamaiti Williams, 7

His importance to this side is clear. Put on lots of pressure on George Henri-Colombe in the scrum, and has remarkable hands for a loosehead which were shown for the first try. At just 24 years of age, he will be a cornerstone of this pack for a decade.

2. Codie Taylor, 5

Started well as his lineout throws were accurate and was getting involved in attack. However, his impact waned in the second half and gave away two penalties in succession, one of which Ramos would kick to take the game away from New Zealand.

3. Tyrel Lomax, 6

Was solid in the scrum, aside from conceding an early penalty, and did well in getting across the pitch for a tighthead.

4. Scott Barrett, 6

An average performance from the skipper, who did well in the lineout but struggled to make yards when carrying.

5. Tupou Vai’i, 7

Arguably the best player for the visitors, and one of his most accomplished performances yet. Dominated at the lineout, making two steals in the first half, and fronted up well in defence. Made a number of offloads to give his side momentum, such as for the Lakai score, but was ultimately punished when one didn’t go to hand and Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored a decisive try.

6. Samipeni Finau, N/A

The 21 year-old left the field after just a minute due to concussion.

7. Ardie Savea, 6

As ever, did not stop running and trying to pull off a historic win for the team from the Southern Hemisphere. This was not more evident than when he chased back to stop Bielle-Biarrey from scoring a try after a kick-and-chase. Made 15 carries but not as destructive as usual.

8. Wallace Sititi, 5

His first time playing at number 8 in this Autumn Series, and was not as prominent as he has been in the past two weeks. Made an important turnover when New Zealand were under pressure, but his carrying prowess was largely nullified by the French.

9 Cam Roigard, 8

First start ahead of Cortez Ratima for the ABs tour of the Northern Hemisphere, and was very impressive. More than a match for opposite number Antoine Dupont, scoring a great individual score when he somehow managed to nick the ball of Gregory Alldritt. Despite an impressive performance he was subbed after an hour, but certainly looks like the long-term successor to Aaron Smith.

10. Beauden Barrett, 5

Didn’t quite do enough to justify Scott Robertson’s decision to recall him to the starting side in place of Damien McKenzie. Struggled to get the attack going and his kicking game was underutilised, but was strong defensively.

11. Caleb Clarke, 7

Looked dangerous every time he got the ball, and for the first hour had the better of Gabin Villiere. Gave New Zealand some much needed go-forward ball, and played an important role in Peter Lakai’s first try.

12. Jordie Barrett, 4

A tough night for the youngest Barrett. Was on the end of some ferocious hits from Emmanuel Meafou, and didn’t offer too much in attack. Came off after thirty minutes because of injury.

13. Rieko Ioane, 5

The outside centre had a few nice touches in attack, but a knock-on from a simple Beauden Barrett pass almost resulted in a try for the home side. He largely went unnoticed in this match at the Stade de France, despite making the most carries (18).

14. Sevu Reece, 3

Called in to replace the injured Mark Telea, and did little to stake a claim for further game time against Italy next weekend. He was outplayed by his opposite number Louis Bierre-Bellaray, and was taken off straight after the French winger’s try in the second half, perhaps because of a lack of pace to tackle his man.

15. Will Jordan, 6

Was targeted by the French forwards, particularly Meafou, at the start of the game and was on the receiving end of some huge hits. He was kept fairly quiet by the home defence. Did not score a try but stopped a certain one when he intercepted a pass for Gaël Fickou.

REPLACEMENTS

16. Asafo Aumua, 7

Carried tirelessly and made an impact when he came on. Has been biding his time but with Taylor now 33, it might be the time for the baton to be passed over to the destructive Aumua.

17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4

Came on after an hour, and his only major contribution was giving away a penalty for a high tackle which Ramos converted to stretch the home side’s lead.

18. Pasilio Tusi, 5

Held up the scrum and not too much else to say for his performance.

19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5

Praised in recent weeks for his impact off the bench, but struggled to get going in Paris. This wasn’t helped by the French pack having the edge over the All Blacks in the final 20 minutes.

20. Peter Lakai, 7

A tidy performance from the 21 year-old, who came on for his second appearance after just a minute. He impressed off the bench against Japan three weeks ago, but this was a step-up and Lakai certainly rose to the occasion. Scored the first try of the evening and was busy in the loose.

21. Cortez Ratima, 4

A poor performance from the Chiefs scrum-half. Has been criticised in recent weeks for slowing down the play, and this was highlighted when he was penalised for taking too long to use the ball in his own 22. Did not offer the same running threat as Roigard, and the decision to bring him on will be one that Robertson probably rues.

22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 5

Like Lakai, was called into in the first-half and was average. Tried to get involved in defense and attack, but ultimately was not dominant in either.

23. Damian McKenzie, 6

Came on and took over the place-kicking duties from Barrett, which he did well. Whilst he would not have the final say in this game, the All Blacks looked far more dangerous with McKenzie on the field and after such an impressive performance last week against Ireland, it would be surprising to see him dropped again in the future.