France player ratings: Les Bleus started November in style, winning 54-17 Fiji at the Stade de Gerland, and Fabien Galthié’s team looks in top form.
With Antoine Dupont back to his old tricks, France started slowly but took complete control of the game after 20 minutes, scoring eight tries to Fiji’s two.
The main concern was the departure of Romain Ntamacko after France’s third try, forcing Maxime Lucu to substitute at half-time for nearly 50 minutes.
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros – 8
Carrying a cannon ball from a loose head to open the scoring and a superb set-piece performance. It was potentially one of Gross’ best performances for France in two years, with the front man finishing as one of the game’s leading strikers (13) before being replaced.
2. Maxime Lamothe – 7.5
The The Blues’ the set purred from start to finish and Maxime Lamothe was one of the main cogs, with the whore nailing every line throw and steering the scrum and maul in the right direction.
3. World Championship – 7
Less involved than Jean-Baptiste Gros, but still made more than a few carries and scored his side’s third try. He resented his work a little and combined well with his front row partners.
4. Florian Verhaeghe – 7.5
The Montpellier lock was a nuisance for Fiji on the line, often causing opposition crosses and even stealing two, helping France take control of the set piece battle. He made a statement with this performance and perhaps cemented his case for a place in Fabien Galthié’s strongest 23.
5. Mickael Guillard – 7
He once plundered possession and made good ground with his carry, making his physicality count in a battle of wills. However, he exposed the ruck on several occasions, allowing Fiji to counter and win the ball back.
6. Cameron Woki – 7.5
He influenced the line and in open play, was heavily involved in France’s attacks, made several passes and connected a handful of quick passes to free up the back line.
7. Paul Boudehent – 7.5
He claimed a try after a driving kick, the cherry on top of a versatile display by the flank. He showed great speed to narrow Fiji’s options from scrum situations, limiting Kuruvoli and Botitu’s attacking opportunities.
8. Francois Cros – 7
He did a good job without grabbing the headlines, leading a trio that was loose forward with authority and direction.
9. Antoine Dupont – 9
After promising displays that were still short of his best, Dupont looked much closer to the complete package. The scrum-half created several dangerous attacks and combinations that opened Fiji up. Whether working alongside Romain Ntamacko or Maxime Lucua, Dupont blended seamlessly with both. He ended his outing with a late try and reminded everyone why he remains France’s chief conductor.
10. Romain Ntamack – 7
He commanded the French back line with class and helped set up France’s third try before his evening was cut short by injury. Nailed one conversion out of two before leaving.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 7.5
In the few interventions he has had, Bielle-Biarrey has barely put a foot wrong in attack or defence, consistently competing well in the air and providing a compelling presence on France’s left flank. He rarely held the ball unnecessarily and tried to establish a rhythm The Blues’ attack. He also provided the assist for Theo Attissogbe’s try.
12. Yoram Moefana – 7.5
The Union Bordeaux-Begles center was everywhere, initiating several attacks that helped France into Fiji’s 22. He timed his contributions well and added another layer to France’s attacking form. He proved tireless until the final whistle, carrying 17 times and constantly moving his side over the gain line.
13. Kalvin Gourgues – 7.5
He dominated the midfield battle alongside Moefan, effectively carrying and limiting Fiji’s opportunities in open play. He may not have been the biggest player on the field, but he repeatedly gained strength through contact and tried to pin his display.
14. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang – 8.5
He is slowly cementing his place in the team and for good reason. The winger’s pace constantly threatened Fiji and he looked dangerous whenever he was given space. He won his aerial contests, created some dangerous moments and grabbed his third Test. A show full of confidence and danger.
15. Theo Attissogbe – 6.5
At best, it was a mixed display with the background talent of Section Paloise. He wasn’t at his usual level in the air, failing to take a few shots and missing two matches that could prove costly without the cover of Cameron Woki and Yoram Moefana. He got on the scoresheet, which helped lift an otherwise inconsistent outing.
SUBSTITUTIONS – 8
From the front row to Maxime Lucu, the French substitutions provided fresh energy The Blues was needed, helping the hosts maintain control of the contest. Luca impressed after switching to scrum-half, keeping France’s attack flowing, while Charles Ollivon and Tom Staniforth added extra physicality as Fiji tried to fight their way back into the game.