Ireland suffered an eight-point defeat to France on Saturday in the final match of the 2020 Six Nations; a match which the visitors would have felt they could win.
Most of the best Irish performances came in the first half, with very little going the visitors' way in the second.
Despite a strong performance from all involved in the first half for Ireland, the French pulled away, practically wrapping up the match with 15 minutes left to play.
Cian Healy of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by SportsfileCian Healy 7/10
This will be a bitter sweet match for Cian Healy, as not only did he make his 100th appearance for his country, but he also scored in his centenary match. He was part of a very solid scrum for much of the match, and carried well when he was on the pitch. The loss will be hard to take.
Rob Herring 6/10
For much of the match, Ireland's lineout success was good, due in no small part to the improved performance of Rob Herring. He formed part of the strong front row which fronted up against a powerful French scrum.
Andrew Porter 7/10
Held up to the French threat well in the first half, particularly at scrum time. He helped push Healy over the line for his try in hi 100th game, and was by no means one of the worst ton the pitch.
Tadhg Beirne 6/10
Tadhg Beirne made a few good turnovers throughout the match and made a few good metres with his 11 carries. He was penalised a few times too at the breakdown due to interpretations of the laws.
James Ryan 6.5/10
The top tackler for Ireland in a match where they held onto the ball for long stretches, James Ryan was physical against France. Although he did not make huge metres with his carries, his 13 tackles and two turnovers helped keep Ireland in the match for as long as they were in it.
Caelan Doris 5/10
If Caelan Doris will be remembered for nothing else in the 2020 Six Nations campaign, he will be remembered for his yellow card that lead to a penalty try late in the first half.
The youngster started off well with a crucial turnover in the beginning of the match, but fell back into his shell, only making two tackles for the remainder of the game.
Will Connors 6/10
Similar to Hugo Keenan, Will Connors played a completely different game to his man-of-the-match debut performance last week.
He was only successful in seven tackles against France, missing just the one, which by his standards is nowhere near the 19 tackles he made the previous week.
A dejected CJ Stander of Ireland near the end of the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by SportsfileCJ Stander 7/10
CJ Stander did his best to get momentum for Ireland, off the back of a strong scrum. He had a number of strong carries off the back of the scrum.
Excellent at the breakdown as usual in crucial areas, particularly in the latter stages of the match, securing two vital turnovers that could have helped them earn a victory in a closer match.
Conor Murray 6/10
The dream of last week, in which Conor Murray only unleashed two aimless box kicks was dead this week, as in the first half alone he attempted the tactic on four separate occasions with little success. He was good to get to the ball as quickly as he did, but missing both of his tackles is not good enough for a player of his quality.
Jonathan Sexton 5/10
Johnny Sexton's decision making was questionable throughout the crucial encounter, including the call to not take the penalty on the stroke of half time. He missed touch for a penalty that could have given Ireland a chance to get ahead and maintain momentum, and was otherwise nit his usual self on attack throughout.
This was a match that the Irish captain will hope to forget in a hurry.
Hugo Keenan 6/10
Almost in stark contrast to the exhilarating test debut against Italy, Keenan was not able to get going against France. He came close to scoring Ireland's first try of the match, and was all but missing for much of the rest of the match.
Bundee Aki of Ireland makes a break during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by SportsfileBundee Aki 6.5/10
Bundee Aki was heavily involved in ireland's good performance in the first half, with his powerful carries setting up the Irish platform to attack.
His second half, though got off to a poor start with a wayward kick that helped lead to France's first try of the second half. he could not recover from this and was subbed off with 30 minutes left to play.
Robbie Henshaw 6/10
Robbie Henshaw put together a brilliant solo effort for his try, which gave the visitors some hope headning into the final quarter of the match. Despite being overshadowed for most of the match by his centre partner, Bundee Aki and his powerful carries, Henshaw will likely start a number of the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup matches.
Andrew Conway 5.5/10
Andrew Conway was very quiet on the wing and did not look for work if the ball did not come to him. Struggled greatly to keep the dangerous Gael Fickou in check on his wing.
Jacob Stockdale 5/10
Jacob Stockdale, much like his captain, will not want to remember much of his game against France. He struggled in defence at fullback, which was exemplified by the lead up to France's penalty try in the first half.
While his try at the end was well executed, it was a consolation that secured the championship for England.
Team of Us. Everyone In.
Vodafone. The main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
