France
Leo Barré Electric. He produced a stunning dummy for Le Garrec’s opening try, curling a pass inside and on hand to finish his own try. 8
Damian Penaud It’s unpredictable – sometimes it looks like he doesn’t even know which way to go – but of course he was in just the right place to take Ramos’ fly hack. 9
Gaël Fickou Determined to have fun with an early pass through the legs. He let Lawrence in too easily but scored an important, opportunistic try. 7
Nicolas Depoortère His dominance let him down by a stroke, as France struggled to establish an attack and were not very good defensively. Not his best performance yet. 6
Louis Bielle-Biarrey He nearly beat Smith to the ball in the long leg race but didn’t get many opportunities to show off his foot agility afterward. 6
Thomas Ramos The goal kick cost money – ice was flowing through his veins as he prepared the final kick – but his defending left something to be desired. He showed off his football skills for Fickou to try. 8
Nolann Le Garrec There were no 30-foot reverse passes this week, but there was buzz throughout the week. He was booed a few times as he slowed things down at the back, but not as loudly as Mitchell. 8
Cyril Baille He brought down Smith and played a key role in France’s dominant strike. He is even honored in scrum time – or perhaps just in England’s favour. 7
Julien Marchand He couldn’t influence the game with the ball in his hands, as he often does, and his shots off the line weren’t perfect either. 6
Uini Atonio He displays some pretty dexterous hands for someone his size, but he also makes his presence felt with his big strikes and heavy carries. 8
Thibaud Flament There was plenty of unseen work to do with the once Wasps forward and he was never far from the action whenever the French side were on top. 6
Emmanuel Meafou A giant. He pushed Earl aside and a few minutes later Itoje received the same treatment and he too achieved a huge turnover but couldn’t stand the pace. 8
François Cros He pressed the line, which sparked Le Garrec’s move, and roared on the pitch all night. 8
Charles Ollivon He galloped into the heart of England’s defense in the first half and came to the fore when France found themselves eight points behind. 7
Gregory Alldritt (captain) Lots of hard yards, including a shot that blew a hole in England’s defence. A true captain’s innings against the English resistance. 8
Replacements: Peato Mauvaka (for March 48) 7; Sébastien Taofifénua (for Baille 48) 6; Georges-Henri Colombe (for Atonio 60) 7; Romain Taofifénua (for Meafou 48) 7; Alexandre Roumat (for Ollivon 60) 7; Paul Boudehent (for Alldritt 70) no; Maxime Lucu (for Le Garrec 67) 6; Yoram Moefana (for Depoortère 60) 7
England
George Furbank It took less than eight minutes for his calf injury to kick in, leading to Smith taking the stage much earlier than expected. no
Tommy Freeman There were some excellent attacks but he threw a poor pass over Mitchell’s head and wasted the chance. He showed the instinct to finish when it mattered. 7
Henry Slade He set up Lawrence’s first try and played a fine pass to Freeman in preparation for his center partner’s second try. The rivalry evolved as it progressed. 7
ollie lawrence He had a huge collision with Penaud and made a crucial tackle on the winger shortly afterwards. He drew a fine line to give England a huge boost just before half-time and then attacked again immediately afterwards. 8
Elliot Daly He wasn’t that effective chasing kicks and sliding at the crucial moment for Fickou’s try. I picked up the back well a few times. 6
george ford He provided the composure England needed amidst the pressure in the first half. Good tip for Freeman to try and there is no doubt about his goal scoring this week. 8
Alex Mitchell Early treatment of the left hand had an effect. He fumbled the ball once, passed it to Slade’s feet and didn’t look very comfortable. Still, it became solid. 6
Ellis Genge Mixed bag. He gave away a penalty but won one back in the attack. She showed cute, soft hands to release Earl. 7
JamieGeorge The fact that England stayed in the fight and then responded roaringly deserves great credit. When he left, leadership was missed. He handled himself very well throughout the tournament. 7
Dan Cole A carry of no meters in total but he was in the side to hold his side of the attack and did so effectively. 6
Maro Itoje The existence of the trademark is spoiled early. His work was cut against such a strong second line. 6
george martin He outplayed Alldritt in the first half and made a few big hits, though not as eye-catching as last week. He also made himself a troublemaker… 6
Ollie Chess Picking up where he left off last week, Le Garrec made one of his 11 steals in the first half. I was treated constantly but the best part lasted an hour. 8
Sam Underhill He shared a tremendous workload with his fellow back-rowers and also performed a sharp line break. I emptied the tank. 7
Ben Earl His tenacity kept England involved at times and put a stop to Smith’s try. He gave away a costly penalty but a good rating for player of the tournament – certainly England’s best. 7
Replacements: Theo Dan (for George 50) Line out is rocking 5; Joe Marler (for Genge 50) Solid 6; Will Stuart (for Cole 50) I’m Stuck 6; Ethan Roots (for Chess 55) 6; Alex Dombrandt (for Underhill 67) no; Danny Care (for Mitchell 70) Increased tempo 6; Marcus Smith (for Furbank 8) Excellent 8; Manu Tuilagi (for Slade 60) 7