France XV player ratings: Shaun Edwards’ France XV snatched a late 26-24 win over England in a scrappy, back-and-forth effort in Twickenham.
Here’s how we rated the France XV.
1. Baptiste Erdocio – 5
Struggled at scrum time against Joe Heyes as the French pack began to creak. Carried his weight in the loose but part of a front row that came under pressure as the match wore on, and left the field shortly after the break.
2. Gaëtan Barlot – 7.5
Burrowed over for France’s opening try during a dominant start. Threw well at the lineout and contributed strongly at the breakdown, but couldn’t stop the forward unit from losing its edge as the game progressed.
3. Rabah Slimani – 5
Experienced but exposed at the set-piece. The scrum went backwards too often in the second half and Slimani offered little to reverse the trend before his substitution.
4. Hugo Auradou – 8
Outstanding in the early stages and dotted down after just nine minutes. Made key tackles and brought aggression, but was withdrawn at 46 minutes as the tide turned.
5. Tyler Duguid – 6
Made himself useful in the tight and was a reliable lineout target in his first international start for France. Less visible as England got on top in the second half but returned to field to part-take in the late surge to victory.
6. Alexandre Fischer – 6.5
Did plenty of defensive graft but handling errors crept in and he lacked influence when France lost momentum. In his defence was part of the French fightback that saw them snatch the result.
7. Killian Tixeront – 6
Lively in the opening quarter but missed some key one-on-one tackles that helped swing momentum England’s way. Stayed in the fight.
8. Mickaël Guillard – 6.5
Normally a second-row, the 122kg forward was pressed into service at No.8 and made his presence felt early with some heavy carries. Part of a pack that lost its grip on the contest in the final quarter, but showed versatility in unfamiliar territory.
9. Nolann Le Garrec – 8
La Rochelle fans will be licking their lips. The incoming No.9 was France’s sharpest operator throughout — crisp service, varied kicking, and calm under pressure.
10. Antoine Hastoy – 8
Controlled France’s fast start and kept his composure after being clattered by Feyi-Waboso. One of the few who remained composed as the game descended into chaos.
11. Alivereti Duguivalu – 5
A couple of electric touches with ball in hand, but loose decision-making and repeated handling errors cost France in key moments.
12. Gaël Fickou – 6
Veteran presence but failed to stamp any real authority on the match. A few defensive slips and little attacking thrust made it an off day for the French vice-captain.
13. Émilien Gailleton – 7
One superb offload and several classy touches throughout highlighted his attacking instincts. Didn’t get a huge volume of ball but made the most of what came his way. A smooth operator in midfield.
14. Maël Moustin – 6
Chased kicks with intent and looked hungry, but France’s disjointed play after the break limited his chances.
15. Théo Attissogbé – 8
Full of flair from fullback in an unfamiliar role. Set up Auradou’s early try and kept popping up as a creative outlet, even as the team around him struggled.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Guillaume Marchand – 6
Energetic but unable to fully fix the collapsing scrum. Was busy in defence but made little impact elsewhere.
17. Paul Mallez – 7
Played a crucial role in the late comeback, barging over for a try to haul France back into it. Brought physicality in the loose, though set-piece issues persisted.
18. Demba Bamba – 6
Looked strong on one or two carries but had little effect on the scrum.
19. Romain Taofifénua – 8
Heroic cameo. Bulldozed over for the match-winner in the 82nd minute and brought stability when it mattered most. France needed a saviour and he delivered.
20. Jacobus van Tonder – 6
Busy in defence and tried to bring energy but couldn’t halt England’s flow until the final turnaround.
21. Cameron Woki – 4
His red card for an elbow to the head of Jamie George handed England momentum. A reckless intervention that nearly cost his side the match.
22. Baptiste Jauneau – 6
Came on with a purpose and helped France regain some shape late on. A useful injection of pace.
23. Léo Berdeu – 6.5
Provided a calming influence in the dying stages. Made smart kicking decisions and managed the final few minutes with control.
