With a 32-19 bonus point victory over France, Ireland turned in one of their best performances ever, putting themselves in the driver's seat for this year's Six Nations Championship, and in pole position for a tilt at a Grand Slam, while denying France a losing bonus point. Before they head to Rome to face Italy, Ireland takes a well-earned break. A look at how we rate the Ireland player’s performance. Here's our Ireland player ratings after Ireland v France.
Ireland v France: Ireland Player Ratings
15. Hugo Keenan - 8
Scored a absolute outstanding 1st try straight out of the Joe Schmidt playbook. Another great outing for the Irish full back. Covered an incredible amount of the pitch. His 50/22 kick in the 2nd half came at a vital time.
14. Mack Hansen - 7
Much better performance by the Irish winger who was everywhere for the 1st half. Will be disappointed not to make the tackle on Penaud try. Still needs to improve his aerial skills/chasing skills – 13 carries / 3 missed tackles
13. Garry Ringrose - 7
Got Ireland’s bonus point try with a great effort. Great pass for Lowe’s try. His defence reads were great but again fell off a few tackles. 10 tackles.
11 February 2023; Garry Ringrose of Ireland celebrates on his way to scoring his side's fourth try, in the 72nd minute, during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Brian O’Driscoll Dumbfounded By Wayne Barnes Refusal To Award France Red Card
12. Stuart McCloskey - 7
Matched the French midfield with some great ball carries. Good turnover win at a crucial time.
11. James Lowe - 7
His left boot caused problems for the French (& the Spidercam). One of the best try scoring finishes you will see for Ireland’s 2nd try.
11 February 2023; James Lowe of Ireland scores his side's second try in the 21st minute despite the tackle of Damian Penaud of France during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by John Dickson/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Wayne Barnes Rightly Hammered For Farcical French Red Card Non-Decision
10. Johnny Sexton (Capt.) - 7
What a sight to see Sexton in open field and making linebreaks. Lead his team exceptionally well. Was disappointed to leave his teammates early in the 2nd half.
9. Conor Murray -8
After a turbulent week, he put in some performance. Lucky not to get over for 2 tries in the 1st half. Another good kicking performance/struggled in defence – 5 missed tackles
1. Andrew Porter - 7
Will be delighted to get over for a try in the 1st half. Much better discipline. Scrummed well with some outstanding power. Got on the ball with some great impact carries.
2. Rob Herring - 7
Lasted just 26mins due to a high hit by Antonio and was forced off. Had started well with 6 tackles in the 1st quarter.
3. Finlay Bealham -8
Physically fronted up with a big effort in defence and at scrum time, 13 tackles
4. Tadhg Beirne - 8
This was as good as you’ll see an Irish player play this year. Outstanding in defence . Unfortunately went off after 5mins in the 2nd half. 13 tackles
5. James Ryan – 9
Another outstanding performance. Was able to match the French power with some strong carries and some big defence efforts. Took over the captaincy after Sexton went off. Great tackle on Ollivon. Top tackler with 17 tackles
6. Peter O’Mahony - 8
Another quality performance by the Munster man. Met the French power with great intensity.
7. Josh Van Der Flier - 8
That red scrumcap covered every inch of Lansdowne Road. Just outstanding. 14 tackles
8. Caelan Doris - 10
Yet another superb performance by the No.8 . Was the best player on the pitch. His offload before the Ringrose try was just incredible . Top Ball carrier – 17 EPIC carries.
Replacements
Ronan Kelleher - 8
A great impact after an early introduction. 11 tackles in a great defence effort.
Dave Kilcoyne - 6
Got on for his 50th cap. Made 3 tackles for the 11minutes he was on.
Tom O’Toole - 8
Great impact of the bench with some great ball carriers . Great turnover win towards the end of the game.
Iain Henderson - 8
Looked like the Henderson of old with his leadership, lineout and some positive involvements.
Jack Conan - 7
Showed his class when he came on. Good steal in the French 22m .
Craig Casey - 8
Great impact by the scrum half with excellent game management. Put in some lovely kicks
Ross Byrne - 7
Showed he is now a key part of this squad with another huge impact off the bench. Steadied the ship at the right time with some very clever kicks to expose the France back field.
Bundee Aki -6
Great cover to stop a certain French try in the last 5minutes.
Coach – 9
That was great coaching performance – get the subs on at the right time. Unit coaches got it spot on with great strategic performance in Scrum & Lineout. Brave play for Ireland’s first try.
