Ireland put in a great performance in their opening game of the Guinness Six Nations in Marseille, defeating France 38-17.
Andy Farrell’s side scored five tries as the Crown defense got off to a perfect start.
Here’s how we rated the Irish players.
Hugo Keenan – 8
As always, he was solid and made an incredible tackle on Damien Penault. Perfect positioning throughout. We had a busy night, but everything went well.
Calvin Nash – 7
He got off to a slow start, but came on in the middle of the first half. The attempt went well, completing nearly 80 meters on a total of eight carries. He never took his eyes off him. In the end, he limped away.
Robbie Henshaw – 8
After a disappointing World Cup, the Leinster man made a brilliant shift in midfield. He was always portable and outclassed Gael Fickou. He had nine carries and five big tackles. He scored Nash’s try with a great run and offload.
Bundy Aki – 9
Picking up where we left off after the World Cup. His offload led to Ireland’s first try, and he never shied away from responsibility for the ball, dropping and picking it up twice to avoid giving away a penalty. He beat two defenders on nine carries.
James Lowe – 8
They were kicked over 500 meters as Ireland used their boots effectively. Completely reliable under high balls and a great presence on both sides of the ball. Before the first goal, Ireland got an interception that gave them the lead.
Jack Crowley – 7
The novice out-half carried and passed well, but took too many kicks out of his hands, misjudged them and poorly executed them. But he never cared about it. He scored 13 points, including three conversions from the sideline.
Jamison Gibson Park – 8.5
Back to his best, the scrum-half continued to increase the tempo and outscored Maxim Luk. With the exception of one in the second half, his hand kicks were good. He completed his opening try splendidly.
Andrew Porter – 7
They were blamed for five penalty concessions, but were unlucky with a few calls. He made 7-meter post contact on five carries.
Dan Sheehan – 8
It was a great outing by Hooker as Ireland won 11 of 11 lineouts while he was playing. As Ireland’s top tackler (10), he was busy defending and scored a brilliant try. He beats three defenders on seven carries.
Tadaharon – 7
Huge work rate by tight head. They were blamed for some scrum penalties, but that wasn’t the deciding factor. Although he was quiet compared to his forward teammates, he recorded five tackles.
Joe McCarthy – 9
Just wonderful. His inclusion at the expense of James Ryan is a big ask, but fully justified. The result was as good as what we got from the French group. The 22-year-old was a total nuisance off the ball and a huge threat on carries. He won two lineout balls and made eight tackles. He was named man of the match.
Tadhg Vernet – 9
Just as good as his second-row partner. He won seven lineout balls and dabbled in the French throw. He had 12 carries and two line breaks. I ran a beautiful line on my second try as well. He also tackled like a demon.
Peter O’Mahony – 7
The game was intense from the beginning, and they earned a jackal penalty. He battled through, making eight tackles in 53 minutes. Even without Johnny Sexton, Ireland didn’t lack for leadership. The sin bin went down before France’s second try.
Josh van der Flier – 7
The flankers didn’t do much, and were busy on both sides of the ball. He ran strong and straight and remained in control. He beat one defender on eight carries.
Caelan Doris – 7.5
The first half was quiet by his standards, but there was some growth in the game. He played the full 80 minutes and was transferred to the side upon the arrival of Jack Connan. He had nine carries and eight tackles.
replacement:
Ronan Kelleher (for Sheehan 63) – 7
He was busy in the loose and took his tries well.
cian healy (for porter 8 and 63) – 7
He filled in well and made four tackles.
finlay bellum (For furlong 63) – 6
Firm when asked.
james ryan (For McCarthy 67) – 6
I’ve become slow and busy.
Ryan Baird (for O’Mahony 63) – 6
He claimed a lineout ball that scored Kelleher.
jack conan (for van der Flier 63) – 7
Great substitute, important tackle right after he came on.
conor murray (for Gibson Park 70) – 6
did his job.
ciaran frawley (For Nash 79)
It doesn’t last long enough to be evaluated.