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31st October 2020
10:05pm GMT
Ireland needed the first score of the second half but a cascade of errors led to Ntamack finishing off a flowing, broken play attack up the left flank. The Toulouse outhalf added six more points, off the kicking tee, and Ireland were suddenly facing a mountainous task.
Robbie Henshaw gave Ireland, and their supporters, hope with 20 minutes to go with an excellent solo try but that was followed by penalties not finding touch, knock-ons and terrible lineouts. The killer blow was delivered by Viremi Vakawata when he benefitted some fine Ntamack play to score.
Here's how we rated Andy Farrell's men in green:
Jacob Stockdale - 4
Had a defensive shocker in the first half. Himself and Keenan were hesitant in the lead-up to the Dupont try then he shelled the ball on his 22 to leave Caelan Doris in an awful position and a penalty try was conceded. Made some ground in the second half but his spill when trying to find Keenan summed up a night to forget, despite a consolation try. He will have better days in green, but may find himself under pressure in the starting XV.
Andrew Conway - 5
Rarely seen in attack for the second week running. Needed to be stronger in the tackle in the lead-up to Ntamack's try.
Robbie Henshaw - 7
Was superb in defence, shooting out of the line a few times to make big tackles. Scored a superb solo try to give his side hope, with 20 minutes to go.
Bundee Aki - 6
Brought his usual intensity to bear and made some hard carries to get his side front-foot ball. Guilty of an awful grubber kick that eventually led to the broken play try finished off by Ntamack.
Hugo Keenan - 5
If Keenan was an inch taller (even a centimetre) he would have cleanly held that Sexton kick-through and had his third Test try in the corner. Needed to be swift to prevent a fourth French try, on 56 minutes.
Johnny Sexton - 5
Shot out of the line and missed a tackle before that Dupont try. Put in a lovely kick in behind, which led to that Bouthier being sin-binned. Made the call, before half-time, to go for an attacking lineout at the cost of three points. Some aimless kicking in the second half.
Conor Murray - 6
Was penalised at a couple of breakdowns but was very good otherwise. Exits and box-kicks were spot on in the first half. Influenced waned as Ireland fell away in the second half.
Cian Healy - 6
Showed tremendous determination in the lead-up to and including his try-scoring carry from close in. Went off for a HIA but returned to the fray.
Rob Herring - 5
Decent lineout throwing and solid in the scrum but did not have much influence on the game in attack or defence.
Andrew Porter - 6
Set a positive tempo by winning the first scrum for his side. Gave away one penalty but won his side another and the French definitely knew all about him.
Tadhg Beirne - 6
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Credit: Sportsfile[/caption]
Scrapped his boots off out there. Made ground on a few carries too.
James Ryan - 8
A cracking effort from the Leinster lock. Left it all out there as he carried with menacing intent and tackle like his life depended on it.
Caelan Doris - 5
Early turnover after a great breakdown steal. Looked well up for the fight. Can't blame him for the tackle that led to the France penalty try as he was on a hiding to nothing.
Will Connors - 6.5
Superb tenacity and technique around the breakdown. Did not off much in the form of carries but defended heartily in his 52 minutes on the pitch.
CJ Stander - 8
Had some big moments in both halves. Kept battling away and won his side a couple of big turnovers in the second half.
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