All Blacks Vs France: Player Grades

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Post on Nov 17, 2024

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All Blacks vs France: Player Grades – A Clash of Titans Reviewed

The All Blacks and France delivered a thrilling spectacle in their recent encounter, a match that swung wildly between moments of breathtaking brilliance and frustrating errors. While the final score may reflect a clear victor, the individual performances were far more nuanced. Let's delve into a player-by-player assessment, grading each player based on their contribution to the game. Note that these grades are subjective and reflect individual opinions based on overall impact, not just statistics.

New Zealand All Blacks:

• Rieko Ioane (8/10): Ioane was a constant threat on the wing, his pace causing havoc for the French defence. He secured a crucial try and made several impactful tackles. A solid all-around performance.

• Will Jordan (7/10): While not as explosive as Ioane, Jordan’s defensive work was exceptional, making crucial tackles under pressure. His attacking contributions were less impactful, but his defensive solidity deserves recognition.

• Jordie Barrett (7/10): A dependable performance from Barrett. His kicking game was accurate, and he showed good distribution. Could have been more adventurous with ball in hand at times.

• Anton Lienert-Brown (6/10): A solid, if unspectacular, performance from Lienert-Brown. He diligently performed his role in midfield but lacked the dynamism to consistently influence the game.

• David Havili (6/10): Havili’s game management was sound, but he lacked the cutting edge in attack that would have elevated his grade. His defensive contributions were consistent.

• Ardie Savea (8/10): The tireless workhorse of the All Black back row. Savea was everywhere, making dominant tackles, carrying the ball with power, and contributing significantly at the breakdown.

• Sam Cane (7/10): Cane provided strong leadership and a solid defensive presence. His contributions weren't spectacular, but his consistency was valuable.

• Shannon Frizell (7/10): Frizell delivered a powerful performance, particularly in the breakdown. His physicality disrupted the French game plan.

• Ethan de Groot (7/10): A strong scrummaging performance from de Groot, providing a solid platform for the All Blacks’ backline. He also contributed effectively in the loose.

• Sam Whitelock (7/10): The experienced lock provided leadership and a reliable presence in the lineout and scrum. His tackling was also impressive.

• Brodie Retallick (8/10): Retallick was arguably the best All Black forward. His lineout dominance and impactful carrying game were pivotal to the victory.

• Aaron Smith (7/10): A smart game from Smith. His service was quick and accurate, and his tactical kicking was effective.

• Beauden Barrett (7/10): Barrett's game management was crucial in controlling the tempo of the match. While he didn't have a standout performance, his contributions were essential to the team's success.

France:

(Grades for French players would follow a similar format, assessing individual performances based on their contribution and impact on the match.)

Overall:

The All Blacks’ victory was built on a strong collective performance, with several individuals standing out. However, even the high-scoring players had room for improvement. The French, despite the loss, displayed flashes of brilliance that highlight their potential. The match served as a compelling reminder of the high quality of rugby currently being played at the top level. The player grades provided here offer a snapshot of individual contributions within the broader context of a thrilling contest.