A very unusual game in the Stade de France for Ireland's Six Nations opener 2026. What looked like it could be one of the most humbling nights in Irish rugby turned into a solid second half fightback, but still a disappointing start to the campaign.
Let's get into our player ratings.
Amazing 50:22 on 5 minutes to lift the early siege on Ireland.
His kicking off his left was solid throughout until the French began pushing him onto his right. He was quietened down after that, but he continued to fight to the end for Ireland.
Promising attacking run on 9 minutes snuffed out by the French defence.
Caught a little bit slow for the second French try by Théo Attissogbe, should've moved to him quicker before Dupont got the pass off to him.
Fought hard throughout the first half and put himself about.
Withdrawn early in the second half.
Barely got a touch of the ball in the First Half as Ireland struggled.
However he got a lot better in the second half and gave it everything he had.
Had a quiet first half as France put Ireland under relentless pressure.
McCloskey livened up in the second and assisted the try for Timoney to get Ireland up and running.
Missed a crucial tackle on Bielle-Biarrey before the first try for France on 12 minutes. Also didn't threaten going forward at all.
Got a lot better in the second half and made some big tackles.
Crucial intervention to stop a nearly immediate try for France at the start of the game, and you can't blame him for his kick near the sideline for France's first try.
The second try for France however did come from his mistake going back over the try line.
Himself and Tommy O'Brien were the only players who threatened the French going the other way in the first half.
Two conversions for Prendergast on 59 minutes and 61 minutes. Prendergast also completed a brilliant kick into touch which played a big role in our second try, as he did improve in the second half.
Scrum play was solid.
However, he did miss some important tackles in the first half, and made some slightly confusing decisions including kicking when Ireland were building good momentum after back-to-back tries.
Most people expected that the scrum was where France could do the most damage.
Loughman fought hard in the scrum and put up a respectable showing before being withdrawn in the second half.
As well as performing well in the scrum, Sheehan did get involved in Ireland's offensive runs up until being withdrawn in the second half.
Not his best performance, but not terrible.
Played a big part in Ireland winning the first scrum against France, setting the tone for a solid display from the front row.
Withdrawn in the second half by Andy Farrell.
Was very quiet in the first half, and committed a silly foul which led to a penalty being converted by Ramos on 27 minutes.
Another one withdrawn early in the second half by Andy Farrell.
Forced a turnover for Ireland on France inside 5 metres on 58 minutes and battled hard.
Assisted Ireland's second try to Michael Milne
Had a quiet first half like everyone else, won a big scrum for Ireland at the start of the second half, withdrawn early in the second half before he could add much to it however.
Fought hard on a difficult night for Ireland as we were completely boxed in by the French.
Another one withdrawn early in the second half by Andy Farrell.
Battled hard for the entire game for Ireland, no doubt his leadership helped steady the ship in the second half as Ireland dug in and fought back. Was unlucky with a knock-on on 73 minutes which could've resulted in Ireland's third try if we got the rub of the green.
Replacements:
Rónan Kelleher - 6.5
Michael Milne - 7.5
Finlay Bealham - 6
James Ryan - 5.5
Jack Conan - 5.5
Nick Timoney - 7.5
Jack Crowley - 7
Craig Casey - 5.5
The bench combined to help Ireland change the game, as both tries came from Nick Timoney and Michael Milne (on his birthday no less!). What looked like it might be a truly grim night in the Stade de France still ends in a tough defeat, but far from the humiliation it looked like it might become.
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5th February 2026
10:02pm GMT
