France v Ireland player ratings: Joe McCarthy makes Six Nations debut

By | February 3, 2024

Joe McCarthy handed his player of the match medal to his younger brother Andrew after the win – Getty Images/Harry Murphy

Ireland put together an almost complete performance against a France team devoid of their usual panache, even before Paul Willemse was sent off for a second yellow card in the first half.

Here Telegraph Sport covers the performances in Marseille

France

15.Thomas Ramos

He is reliable as ever at the back but will be let down by the lack of space created for him. He scored his goals. 6/10

14. Damian Penaud

There were a few shaky moments under Ireland’s high balls, but he scored his try neatly. 6/10

13.Gael Fickou

It’s not often that Fickou is part of a lower midfield combination, but the center was at Marseille. Leaky. 5/10

12. Jonathan Danty

The wrecking ball, which was just as devastating a centerpiece as last year, was neutralized by Aki and faced completely out to sea. 4/10

Ireland's Bundee Aki competes against France's Jonathan Danty during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France.Ireland's Bundee Aki competes against France's Jonathan Danty during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France.

Bundee Aki searches around Jonathan Danty – Getty Images/Ramsey Cardy

11. Yoram Moefana

He didn’t have much to do, but he was highly respected as he would take center stage late at night with his addict Danty. 6/10

10. Matthieu Jalibert

The dazzling initial run was undoubtedly the highlight, but Jalibert struggled to impose and control as authoritatively as Crowley. 5/10

9. Maxime Lucu

Biggest boots to fill with Dupont’s absence. Lucu’s kick worked but he got angry and struggled around the edges. 4/10

1. Cyril Baille

This distinctive dynamic carry caused problems for France and left Furlong fried in attack. 7/10

2. Peato Mauvaka

One of the stars of the World Cup had one of his quietest nights. France have been forced out of the squad, even though they are missing a lock, and Marchand could return next week. 6/10

3. Uini Atonio

France’s leading light. Some of his defensive shots were fierce and legal, and his offense was flawless. 8/10

4. Paul Gabrilagues

Its first appearance during the Galthié period. He didn’t put a foot wrong, but he wasn’t very successful either. 6/10

5. Paul Willemse

The first strike was stupid enough, but to commit the exact same crime six minutes after returning to the field, following a get-out-of-jail-free card, bordered on insanity. France’s hopes of victory vanished with him. 1/10

Frenchman Paul Willemse left the field after referee Karl Dickson showed a red card during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France.Frenchman Paul Willemse left the field after referee Karl Dickson showed a red card during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France.

Paul Willemse booked twice for almost the same offense – Getty Images/Harry Murphy

6.François Cros

Things went well as usual, but France needed a boost after Willemse’s departure and he was silenced. 5/10

7.Charles Ollivon

He could not do anything to stop France’s troublesome formation in the first half, but he did his best defensively in a defeated situation. 7/10

8. Gregory Alldritt (captain)

Her work rate is astonishing but the big Alldritt has struggled for effectiveness, especially compared to rival figure Doris. 7/10

Replacements

Posolo Tuilagi was tremendous in his debut. Likewise, the reserve front row and Bielle-Biarrey were a handful wide. 8/10

Ireland

15.Hugo Keenan

The roundest full-back in world rugby. Some of his attacking touches were excellent, but what impressed most was how he read the game. 9/10

14.Calvin Nash

The Six Nations debutant looked completely at ease with the rigors of international rugby and scored his try with confidence. 7/10

13. Robbie Henshaw

It has been suggested that outside center is Ireland’s weakness due to the absence of Garry Ringrose. Henshaw assured us that these fears were foolish. 8/10

12. Bundee Aki

He scored the most spectacular load for the opening try and looked every aspect of the player who rose to World XV status in last year’s showcase. 9/10

11.James Lowe

His left spike increases his value on this side tenfold. But not only that; it is also the will and aggression appropriate to the skill. 8/10

10. Jack Crowley

Another one with big shoes to fill. A most spectacular late pass for Beirne to try broke up a nervy start. He also kicked one of them perfectly. 8/10

Ireland's Jack Crowley takes the conversion kick during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, FranceIreland's Jack Crowley takes the conversion kick during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France

Jack Crowley assured No 10 – PA Wire/Andrew Matthews

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

He sprung around the base and led his troops with customary confidence. The only glaring mistake was a direct box kick. 7/10

1.Andrew Porter

His effort cannot be faulted and he certainly remains one of the best in the world, but first Atonio and then Aldegheri troubled him. 6/10

2. Dan Sheehan

It was the hooker’s effort that put the result beyond doubt and her next arrows were perfect all evening. 7/10

3. Tadhg Furlong

He showed silky touches in attack but was put under serious pressure in attack by both Baille and Wardi. Things could get complicated when France had 15 players. 6/10

4.Joe McCarthy

Determined and strong on his Six Nations debut. A locked-in man with an extraordinary future ahead of him. A careless fall leaves a single stain. 9/10

5. Tadhg Beyrne

He ran the most adorable line in his first half try and is becoming a force of nature, especially in the lineout. It might be the greatest of all time. 8/10

Ireland's Tadhg Beirne set out to score his side's second try in the Guinness Six Nations match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille.Ireland's Tadhg Beirne set out to score his side's second try in the Guinness Six Nations match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille.

Another furious display from Tadhg Beirne – PA Wire/Andrew Matthews

6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)

He was rightly shown a yellow card for taking down a threatening French maul, but otherwise the marauding O’Mahony was superb. 8/10

7. Josh van der Flier

The winger has not been at his best in 2022, but the Irish backline has been extremely balanced and his infusions have played their part. 7/10

8. Caelan Doris

Not many people have surpassed Alldritt, especially on home turf, but Doris did it. He’s a big guy, but he still punches above his weight – and with cunning. 9/10

Replacements

The Cavalry took over where the starters left off, but against 14 players their work was largely more routine. France still had to be removed, sorry. 7/10

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