Romain Buros (7/10)
There was a lot of talk about his character before this first selection. The UBB rear demonstrated this. In a difficult context, it did not liquefy. On the contrary, he showed temperament by imposing himself in the air (32e). And it was full of anger that he crossed the line for his first try for the selection (32nd). The interception of one of his passes (66e), which sent shivers through the Stade de France, is his only mistake. Replaced by Nolann Le Garrec (68e).
Gabin Villière (4/10)
We hadn't seen him in Blue for over a year. His performance in the first half probably didn't make Galthié wonder if he had made a mistake. The Toulonnais has often been in difficulty defensively. His risky interception attempt on Savea's overflow (8e) at the origin of the first New Zealand test is a good illustration. Fortunately, he recovered in the second act, making two life-saving rescues in the end.
Gaël Fickou (6/10)
The center had to bring its experience. That's what he did. On his heels in the first period, he still managed to preserve the consistency of the tricolor curtain. It remains safe. Offensively, he had few good balls to negotiate. But he tried to give them scope. See you soon.
Yoram Moefana (6/10)
Of fight and fight. This is the menu to which the Bordelais was required. In a three-quarter line that was mishandled in the first period, he was also sometimes dizzy. But he was always hard on the man. An aggressiveness that he tried to express on the rare balls he touched. Replaced by Emilien Gailleton (60e).
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (8/10)
Confirmation upon confirmation. The supersonic Bordeaux player scored his ninth try in 13 caps. But beyond the statistics, he showed himself particularly to his advantage against players who are world benchmarks: he has nothing to envy of them. A constant danger offensively. And it provides real guarantees in defense.
Thomas Ramos (8/10)
He alone embodies the expression “stink of rugby”. In a much more delicate context than against Japan, the usual full-back sometimes lacked precision in his risk-taking. Witness this forward made during a pass at Bielle-Biarrey after a catastrophic withdrawal. But the positive points column is much higher than these small downsides. Impeccable in his vision of the game, the Toulouse player feels the blows like no one else. His little kick to follow for the Bielle-Biarrey test is a good example. Author of a 100% (4/4) in his role as scorer.
Thomas Ramos, here at the relaunch.
Fabien COTTEREAU / South West
Antoine Dupont (7/10)
Living up to his status. The scrum half was able to influence the game. By bringing him back into the middle when the Blues, trailing, seemed to be pushed around. But also by his ability to vary the game behind his forward pack. Poison for New Zealanders. And despite a few gestures lacking mastery, such as this intercepted pass in the first period, he maintained this exceptional reading of the game. He finished this match at the opening.
Grégory Alldritt (4/10)
Inside. The Rochelais suffered in the fight imposed by the New Zealanders. Generous in defense, influential in the ground game, he failed to weigh on the opposing defense. He did not regain his stature on this tour. His pass after contact, intended for Antoine Dupont behind an admittedly jostled scrum, intercepted for New Zealand's second try cruelly illustrates his difficulties. Replaced by Mickaël Guillard (48e).
Alexandre Roumat (8/10)
End of the debate: its singularity can exist at the highest level. Faced with the level of commitment imposed by the Blacks, the Toulouse player inevitably had difficulty influencing the advantage line. But through his gestural quality, he undeniably brings a link to the French game. A few avoidable fouls in his performance, but above all the status of best defender in the match with 18 tackles.
Paul Boudehent (7/10)
“Serial scorer” in the making? Author of his first two tries in blue last week, the Rochelais added an achievement to his tally (46th). Not bad for a player who rarely scores. But that’s not what we’ll remember about his “testosterone” copy. He was there to brew “Neo-Zed”. He worked at it. With his Mr. Fantastic face, the Rochelais displays quite a striking physical stature. His energy is constant. Replaced by Peato Mauvaka (70e).
Emmanuel Meafou (8/10)
Faced with such an opponent, the Toulouse man passed a test. He passed it successfully. His physical impact has sometimes transformed into a lifeline for the often mistreated Blues. His enormous tackle on Jordie Barrett still resonates in Saint-Denis… And what can we say offensively, except to recall his monstrous breakthrough (41e) at the origin of Boudehent's essay. A joy. Replaced by Romain Taofifenua (48e) who quickly gave way to Charles Ollivon (56e).
Thibaud Flament (7/10)
A marathon runner. Its energy is permanent. In defense, he seems inexhaustible. An insatiable fighter who does not forget to project himself forward. Offensively, his ability to bring the ball to life through the sole grace of his gestures gives dimension to the French game.
Avoid Tatafu (non noté)
He just had time to show the quality of his scrum holding and his gestures. Quickly released due to injury. Replaced by Georges-Henri Colombe (10e). Forced to play 70 minutes, the Rochelais did good things. There is this “contest” which cut off a strong beat (15e), bleeding tackles… But the right-hander was put in difficulty in scrums on several occasions (5/10).
Peato Mauvaka (5/10)
A week after his Japanese master-class, the Toulouse native was caught up in the fight in a very tough match. He multiplied in defense, with 11 tackles on the clock. But this energy does not counterbalance its lack of control over the static phases. He is inevitably partly responsible for the hiccups on the sidelines and the difficulties of the scrum. Replaced by Julien Marchand (48th)
Jean-Baptiste Gros (5/10)
Oh sure, he's still active on defense. But a pillar is necessarily first judged on the guarantees he provides in scrum. Like his partners on the front line, the Toulonnais suffered in this sector of play. Even if he was able to cause a penalty in the scrum. Replaced by Reda Wardi (48th)
