All Blacks Player Ratings: France Test

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Post on Nov 17, 2024

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All Blacks Player Ratings: France Test – A Mixed Bag in a Hard-Fought Defeat

The All Blacks' recent clash against France ended in a narrow defeat, leaving a mixed taste in the mouths of New Zealand fans. While the performance showcased glimpses of brilliance, inconsistencies and defensive lapses ultimately cost them the victory. Let's delve into individual player ratings, examining both strong performances and areas for improvement.

Forwards:

• Ethan de Groot (8/10): A standout performer in the pack. De Groot consistently won crucial collisions, offering strong carries and a solid scrummaging presence. His lineout work was also impressive, showcasing a growing maturity at international level.

• Sam Whitelock (7/10): The veteran lock provided leadership and experience, particularly in the lineout. While not his most dominant performance, he remained a reliable presence in the forwards. His tackling was solid, though he could have been more impactful in the loose.

• Scott Barrett (6/10): A mixed bag for Barrett. Showcased some powerful carries but lacked the usual dynamism and impact in the breakdown. His lineout throwing was generally accurate but room for improvement exists.

• Ardie Savea (7/10): A tireless workhorse as always. Savea consistently disrupted French ball at the breakdown, proving his value in the loose. However, his attacking contribution could have been more impactful, often finding himself bogged down.

• Shannon Frizell (6.5/10): Energetic and committed, Frizell carried the ball strongly but his decision-making could have been sharper at times. He put in some strong defensive efforts but was also caught out of position occasionally.

• Dalton Papali'i (6/10): A solid performance from Papali'i, reliable in the tackle and offering strong support play. However, he lacked the game-changing moments that often define his best performances.

• Samisoni Taukei'aho (7/10): The hooker provided a strong platform at the scrum and was effective at the lineout. His throwing was mostly accurate, and his general play around the park was solid, though he could have been more of a threat in open play.

• Tyrel Lomax (6/10): A debut performance from Lomax, who showed some flashes of promise but lacked the experience of his more established teammates. He was eager and energetic, but consistency will be key to future performances.

Backs:

• Beauden Barrett (7.5/10): Barrett's game management was crucial, showcasing his experience and tactical awareness. His distribution was sharp, and his goal-kicking was accurate, despite the pressure. However, he could have been more adventurous at times in attack.

• Richie Mo'unga (6.5/10): Came off the bench and provided a spark with his attacking prowess. His running lines and passing ability were a threat, but his time on the field was limited to assess his overall contribution fully.

• Will Jordan (7/10): A threat with ball in hand, Jordan's pace and footwork caused problems for the French defence. He was less involved than in other games, however his defensive efforts were commendable.

• Rieko Ioane (6/10): Showcased flashes of brilliance but struggled to make the same consistent impact he's capable of. His powerful running was evident, but his decision-making could have been sharper in attack.

• Caleb Clarke (6.5/10): While showing glimpses of speed, Clarke was not as consistently involved as he often is. His finishing ability remains a weapon, but he needs to find more opportunities to exploit it.

• David Havili (6/10): Solid in defence, Havili was dependable but lacked the attacking punch often seen in his game. His distribution was accurate but didn't create significant opportunities.

Overall:

The All Blacks displayed patches of brilliance but lacked the consistency required to beat a strong French side. The forwards laid a reasonable platform, but the backs struggled to convert possession into points consistently. Defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them the game. While individual performances were mixed, the overall performance highlighted areas requiring attention before their next encounter. The team's ability to address these issues will be crucial for future success.