7 DAVID WALLACECarried, tackled and carried some more. Done for not releasing, leading to another Parra penalty, but everyone was struggling with pedantic Pearson. 7/10
1 CIAN HEALY
Backslapped by team-mates when Nicolas Mas collapsed a scrum that led to Sexton’s first penalty. Took a knock and was replaced just before the tide turned France’s way.
6/10
14 FERGUS McFADDEN
Scooped up the initial loose ball that eventually led to him busting through Bonnaire and Domingo for a try that will have mentors D’Arcy and O’Driscoll screaming “Copycat!” Starved of ball after.
6/10
9 TOMÁS O’LEARY
Was on course for 3/10, with some shabby kicking, until reminding those clammering for his head why Kidney will keep picking him. Charged off the back of the lineout for a try those seeking his jersey lack the physique to replicate.
5/10
15 LUKE FITZGERALD
Wants to be the fullback but poor fundamentals, especially policing the air, and his left boot wasn’t working either.
4/10
13 BRIAN O’DRISCOLL
Average by his standards but good by everyone else’s. Only played two positions, flanker and centre, as opposed to the multiple roles he adopts on really vintage outings. A few tetchy exchanges with referee Dave Pearson.
6/10
12 GORDON D’ARCY
Rougerie ran straight over him for Medard’s try and penalised on the ground for penalty that made it 10-9. No sign of Paddy Wallace though.
4/10
5 PAUL O’CONNELL
Handling error or two aside, continued to make strides towards best form and has made the lineout a weapon again. Remains a priceless commodity in this team.
6/10
2 RORY BEST
As ever, unfussy and workmanlike. He relished throwing to the new outlet at the tail, which led directly to O’Leary’s try.
6/10
8 JAMIE HEASLIP
Great to have him back. Cleverly hugged touchline for his try. Another man this Ireland team clearly cannot do without.
6/10
4 DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN
Dipped from heights of Rome, but he was solid without getting hands on much ball. No sign of Leo Cullen until O’Connell tired.
6/10
10 JONATHAN SEXTON
The loop trick will work once, maybe twice, a game, but he must produce more from the arsenal to dissuade Kidney from shepherd’s hooking him down the home strait.
5/10
6 SEÁN O’BRIEN
That’s more like it in a green jersey. Now, where to accommodate him when Stephen Ferris returns (openside, blind or impact)? Tough call but surely he must start.
6/10
11 KEITH EARLS
Not an afternoon for wingers. No ball came his way until a late burst and chip almost snatched the victory.
5/10
3 MIKE ROSS
Done in an early scrum by Domingo but recovered well and banks another 80 minute scrummaging session against the best in the business.
6/10
THE BENCH
Ronan O'Gara's boot delivered the territory that eventually yielded Heaslip's try. Touchline conversion was essential as well. Seán Cronin's knock-on was the end of the ball game.
6/10
