Ireland player ratings vs France: 2025 Six Nations

Saturday, 08 March 2025 at 16:14

byRohan Cooke

Ireland player ratings vs France as their Grand Slam hopes came to a crushing end as Les Bleus cruised to a bonus-point win in Dublin.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

France sent a statement to the rugby world with a ruthless 34-point blitz in Dublin, crushing Ireland’s Grand Slam dreams and taking charge of the Six Nations title race.

Even without talismanic captain Antoine Dupont, who limped off after 30 minutes, Les Bleus ran riot in the second half, scoring three unanswered tries to power two points clear at the top.

Tournament top scorer Louis Bielle-Biarrey bagged a brace, while Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou, and Damian Penaud all crossed in a scintillating bonus-point victory—revenge for last year’s defeat in Marseille.

Ireland had led 13-8 early in the second half thanks to a Dan Sheehan try, but with Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash both spending time in the sin bin, France turned on the style and blew them away.

With one game left, Fabien Galthié’s side are now in pole position to reclaim the Six Nations crown, hosting Scotland in their final fixture.

For Ireland, their title hopes are hanging by a thread. They must beat Italy in Rome and pray for a miracle elsewhere to secure an unprecedented third consecutive championship.

Meanwhile, England—currently third—can leapfrog Ireland with a win over Italy at Twickenham on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

This crushing defeat was Ireland’s first home loss in the Six Nations since 2021—coincidentally, the last time France left Dublin victorious.

Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs France.

Ireland: 27

Tries: Dan Sheehan (42'), Cian Healy (77'), Jack Conan (80')
Cons: Sam Prendergast (43', 77',80')
Pens: Sam Prendergast (34', 42')

France: 42

Tries: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (20', 49'), Paul Boudehent (46'), Oscar Jegou (58'), Damian Penaud (74')
Cons: Thomas Ramos (46', 50', 59', 74')
Pens: Thomas Ramos (35', 55', 67')

Ireland player ratings vs France:

1. Andrew Porter - 7

Worked hard for 69 physical minutes, as always. Almost certain to start for the Lions.

2. Dan Sheehan - 7

One of the few Ireland stars to stay in the fight. Exited with Porter and will surely start alongside him in the summer.

3. Finlay Bealham - 4

Impressed in the first three rounds but struggled to make an impact today. Off just before the hour mark.

4. Joe McCarthy - 6

A silly yellow card for blatantly holding off the ball. Put in a big shift on both sides of the ball before being replaced by Ryan on 57 minutes.

5. Tadhg Beirne - 6

The only Irish forward to last the full 80 minutes. Workmanlike as always, but as he fatigued, he was unable to make headway against the second French pack.

6. Peter O'Mahony - 4

One last home run-out for the veteran. Will be disappointed with his work rate as his side fell apart shortly after he departed for Conan.

7. Josh Van Der Flier - 6

Seven tackles and carries apiece as he battled against a heavy French pack. Replaced by Baird as part of the double back-row switch on 48 minutes but returned for Doris' late HIA.

8. Calean Doris (c) - 8

The captain never has a bad game and led the way with carries and turnovers. His leadership was desperately missed after he left for an HIA, which he failed concerningly for his team.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 6

Despite the buildup over his head-to-head with a certain Frenchman, he never really lived up to the occasion and struggled to maintain control.

10. Sam Prendergast - 5

Knows how to unleash Ireland's attack. It was a mixed bag with the boot, despite nailing a penalty from halfway to close the first period, thanks to some wasteful kicking from hand. Questions remain over his defence.

11. Calvin Nash - 5

A late call-up for James Lowe. Worked hard to contain France's deadly backline, but a high shot earned him 10 minutes on the sideline.

12. Bundee Aki - 6

55 very physical minutes for the hulking centre while also showing clean hands to unleash the back three on occasion. He was sorely missed after departing.

13. Robbie Henshaw - 5

Very little to say as he spent most of the game defending.

14. Jamie Osborne - 5

Trusted as the centre-cum-wing in the absence of Ringrose. Used his left boot to clear well but was found out defensively a few times and didn’t enjoy being dumped near his own line.

15. Hugo Keenan - 6

Dazzled as he often does, with the second-highest number of carries in green. He was unable to influence the game as it progressed, as Ireland simply couldn’t get near the ball.