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A lousy performance in the second half left Andy Farrell with much to ponder on a difficult night at the Stade de France. For what it’s worth, this is how we rate the Irish charges.
Jacob Stockdale 4
It often offers a lot when on the front foot, but safety and confident hands are paramount in the full back position. He missed before the French penalty try, a sequence that also cost Doris a season in the bin. Before that, along with Keenan, he had hesitated along the sideline to allow Rattez to keep the ball in play, which ultimately led to Dupont’s first game. The mishandling may have left Irish viewers regretting Rob Kearney’s positioning in the television studio in place of the number 15 jersey. He raced for an attempt at injury time consolation.
Andrew Conway 5
The first-half knock-on nearly led to a French try, and Murray finally cleared desperately. He did not get very far on the wing.
Robbie Henshaw 6
Excellent on defense, but struggled to make an attacking impact for much of the game, particularly against a French attack in the second half. And yet, out of nowhere, he slalomed the line for an impressive individual attempt at the hour mark.
Bundee Aki 6
Never more than brave, aggressive and ready to strike. He even managed to hit a knocked ball on the lineout in the first half. However, it is not his best work before France’s third attempt. Replaced relatively early.
Hugo Keenan 4
Together with Stockdale, he must carry part of the can for France’s first attempt. He almost made amends immediately when he ran into Sexton’s shoved ground, but a high rebound spoiled his chances of calling, as did Bouthier’s intervention. Irish fans, had they been there, may have clamored for a penalty try, but referee Barnes objected. He later played while chasing a box kick.
Johnny Sexton 6
Infallible as always of the placed ball. He broke the 50-point score for points against this opponent. The decision to go to the corner, rather than pocket three points from a routine penalty kick, just before the break could be questioned. The conversion from under the stand after Henshaw’s brilliant score was a blast. He substituted in the 69th minute and was not very satisfied with the decision.
Conor Murray 7
Always involved in the attack. He delivered a 57-meter kickoff and displayed a range similar to Raymond Galligan’s to comfortably cover the distance, without, unfortunately, the precision. Coming out of the game was a source of Irish pressure throughout the night.
Cyan Healy 6
The Dubliner’s 100th appearance for his country had it all – an equalizing attempt at the back of a scrum followed shortly after a trip to the doctor’s shop after a minor head injury that saw him temporarily replaced by Ed. Byrne a few minutes after the pillar had landed.
Rob Herring 5
Ireland’s lineout was disastrous at worst and messy at best. A herring dart even found Aki, quite fortuitously, at one point. Ironically, it was a lineout failure that inadvertently led to Henshaw’s score in the second half.
Andrew Porter 6
Left for dead before France’s first attempt. Along with Ryan, he provided the muscle and crushing pressure to drive Healy to her attempt. Not impressed with some of Barnes’ decisions regarding French penalties.
Tadhg Beirne 5
He did his best to avoid France’s crucial attempt early in the second half, but was rearranging loungers in a playgroup but struggling for much of the second period. He won a crucial penalty shortly before Henshaw’s fabulous try.
James Ryan 7
He helped propel Healy over the line for her attempt. He felt the brunt of French physicality on more than one occasion, but he spread it out in abundance in return. He could almost smell the try line just before half-time as Ireland pressed for a crucial score, but a crushing Willemse muted that attack.
Caelan Doris 6
He was performing more than admirably before his desperate entry into Cros after a slip from Stockdale cost his team a penalty shot and sent Doris into the sinbin to watch himself for 10 minutes. He returned just before half-time when Ireland pressed unsuccessfully down the try line.
Will connors 5
An exhausting, and sometimes tiring day, in a brave but always under pressure Irish herd. Replaced.
CJ Stander 7
A wrecking ball when on the front foot as usual. The French knew they were in a game every time the ball reached the 8th position. Forced penalties, he drove in the hard yards. Stander standard.
Replacements
Ed Byrne 6 (for Healy, 25-34 minutes and 61 minutes)
He replaced Healy while doing a head check and helped force a penalty that Sexton landed with. Then I’d come back just after the hour mark to give the pack some fresh legs.
Chris Farrell 6 (for Aki, 53 minutes)
He came in when Ireland was on the front foot and joined right away.
Peter O’Mahony 6 (for Connors, 53 minutes)
He added experience to the Irish group but could do little to make up for an error-ridden Irish performance in the second half.
Ultan Dillane 5 (for Beirne, 61)
He stepped in to give the overworked Beirne a break.
Jamison Gibson-Park 5 (for Murray, 66)
He took over from Murray as the Irish enjoyed their best period of the game.
Finlay Bealham 5 (for Porter, 69)
It provided fresh legs, and muscles, to the tired pack.
Ross Byrne 5 (for Sexton, 69 minutes)
He replaced Sexton, who was less than impressed. It had little impact, but it converted Stockdale’s attempt.
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