Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY
6 STEPHEN FERRIS
Kept appearing in the collision zones where the main French runners could be found. He hurt as many of them as he could.
8/10
10 JONATHAN SEXTON
Defensive attributes alone make him worthy of an 80 minute investment at 10, much like O’Gara getting the same treatment to the detriment of David Humphreys’ Test career way back when.
7/10
13 KEITH EARLS
Grew into game with some late running. Never exposed to straight-up Rougerie charge because D’Arcy or Ferris or someone constantly doubled up. As it should be.
6/10
2 RORY BEST
In the form of his life until yesterday. The lineout wobbled too many times. Maybe it was the lifters but his throws missed O’Connell’s usually safe hands especially one near the end in the French 22.
5/10
9 CONOR MURRAY
Sounded bad. Right knee jarred on landing just before the hour mark, bringing an end to a hugely effective defensive performance, while he also kept the French honest around the fringes.
6/10
THE BENCH
Cronin and Court clearly not considered good enough to relieve Healy and Best sooner than last four minutes. Peter O’Mahony is the best new squad addition since Sean O’Brien.
6/10
11 ANDREW TRIMBLE
Not an electric or prolific try-scoring winger so must be reliable in all other aspects. Played fine until bolting up and missing Poitrenaud in a definitive moment.
4/10
14 TOMMY BOWE
Forget the outside centre talk. Must thank Rougerie for the simple opening run-in and couldn’t hold Parra’s pass for another intercept but exhilarating chip, run and gather for his second try.
7/10
4 DONNCHA O'CALLAGHAN
The routine is set for now; he gives it bloody murder for an hour or so and then makes way for Donnacha Ryan.
5/10
7 SEÁN O'BRIEN
Hated being replaced but Ferris or Heaslip are not versatile enough to be moved. Created Bowe’s second try with a perfect turnover but it’s to the detriment of his real value.
8/10
3 MIKE ROSS
Shipped a heavy belt under his eye so no coincidence the Irish scrum buckled moments later for Parra to make it 10-6. Impressively recovered to do another 80 minute shift.
6/10
1 CIAN HEALY
Usual warrior stuff. Lovely non-tip-tackle-rib-tickler on Vincent Clerc but should have been sin-binned for needlessly interfering with Clerc. Luckily, Parra missed that kick at goal.
6/10
12 GORDON D'ARCY
Dip on Italy performance. No headway against the ultra-physical French midfield, lacking that old spark, he will continue to be replaced by O’Gara when change is needed.
4/10
15 ROB KEARNEY
Leader. Already established master under the garryowen, but his 53rd and 68th -minute catches were jaw droppers, while an earlier solid take, with Rougerie poised to pounce, saved a certain try.
9/10
5 PAUL O'CONNELL
The French had three world -class locks on the field. The Irish captain outplayed them all. Must also take some responsibility for the lineout and still, yet again, he was immense.
7/10
8 JAMIE HEASLIP
Forgive the late knock-on. With 78 minutes on the clock he stooped over Maestri to secure a turnover that should be used in a training DVD. Broke even with the great Hardinordoquy.
7/10
