How the French rated in their 43-17 defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington.
15. Leo Barre – 8
Another strong outing from a French fullback. Was dangerous with ball in hand and was hard to put down, beating seven defenders. Managed to score a try as he finally gotover for the French opener. Failed to find touch from a penalty however.
14. Theo Attissogbe – 5
Moved from fullback after strong showing in Dunedin and had a quiet game. Started a promising attack early which was called back. Only made 15m gained and turned the ball over a few times.
Joined the squad after playing in the Top 14 playoffs. Was busy on the defensive end with 13 tackles but did miss three.
11. Emilien Gailleton – 5
Just two tackles for the night along with two missed tackles. Also kicked out on the full, which appeared to be a trend on the night.
10. Joris Segonds – 6
A mixed night but probably deserved a longer one. Had a solid early clearance and forced a knock-on from Ardie Savea. How many first fives can say that? But then kicked too deep from a penalty, followed by missed a tackle on Savea in the lead-up to an All Blacks try. Many players can say they’ve done that. Off after 43 minutes.
9. Nolann Le Garrec – 6
A decent outing with reliable kicking night but don’t think Antoine Dupont was shaking over his breakfast croissant while watching back in France. Non-threatening on attack and pass-heavy.
8. Esteban Abadie – 5
Not a massive workrate for a No 8. Went missing on defence at times. Played a part in the yellow-card tackle on Jordie Barrett.
Forced a turnover from a Patrick Tuipulotu knock-on but was taken off after just 43 minutes for Paul Mallez. Made eight tackles in a fairly brief stint for a starting openside.
6. Pierre Bochaton – 7
The best French forward in Wellington. Led the match with 18 tackles, missing just one and brought a physical edge that was lacking from fellow loose forwards.
5. Matthias Halagahu – 5
Another Frenchman on debut but only lasted 43 minutes before he was replaced by Cameron Woki, but in that time he produced 10 tackles. Beaten at lineout time twice, which may have been reason for early replacement.
Not a bad debut. Led his team with 13 carries and also crossed for a try. Did spend time in the bin for the tackle on Jordie Barrett. Deserves another shot at the All Blacks in Hamilton.
3. Georges-Henri Colombe – 5
A massive man but didn’t make a huge impact. Left early in the second half as the French scrum was only getting worse following strong start.
French skipper Gaetan Barlot on the charge in Wellington. Photo / Photosport
2. Gaetan Barlot (c) – 5
The skipper was the only forward to keep his place from Dunedin. Replaced after 52 minutes.
A solid first scrum in test rugby but didn’t do much around the field. Gave away a penalty at ruck time. A high tackle count of 13 in his 48 minutes of action.
