Player ratings as Australia suffers heavy defeat at Suncorp Stadium
The Wallabies suffered a 42-26 defeat to France at Suncorp Stadium, which ended in disaster after scoring 30 unanswered points in the second half.
Queensland Reds captain Fraser McReight was outstanding in defeat, scoring two tries and underlining his position as one of the world’s best running backs.
Let’s take a look at how the players scored at the sold-out Suncorp Stadium.
Angus Bell 6.5
He played his part in a solid attack but was starved for the ball, only able to carry it two metres. He made 12 tackles and missed only one. He played a key role in Fraser McReight’s first try, making some tough work from close range against the French defence.
No Josh Nasser
The HIA failed and shut down three minutes later.
Allan Alaalatoa 6
Defensively he’s not just as dominant as he was in the last test against Ireland, making just five tackles, but it’s still a solid performance from the veteran who looks fresh and fit.
Jeremy Williams’ 6.5
He is a great line operator and was rewarded with a late consolation try for 80 minutes of work. It’s hard to believe he makes his debut for the Wallabies in 2024. He made 14 deliveries, the Wallabies’ second-most on the night. Three teams were missing in one spot on the ledger.
Josh Canham’s 5.5
The Wallabies badly needed him out of the squad in the closing stages. He made just two carries and missed five tackles. He will also be disappointed to be penalized for a high early tackle.
Rob Valetini 6.5
A big moment in the game was when Valetini crashed into Manny Meafou, bringing down France’s second row. Meafou also received a yellow card for his troubles as he went too far in the tackle.
He wasn’t as dominant or engaged as he was against Ireland. Only six carries of 25 meters were made.
Fraser McReight 9
The Reds captain was absolutely outstanding on home soil. He led his team with two tries, two turnovers and 20 tackles. He also beat Matthieu Jalibert in a footrace to save the Wallabies from a certain try just before half-time. If the Wallabies could clone Fraser McReight they would never lose.
Harry Wilson 6.5
The captain carries his heart and can never be accused of not caring. He gave away two penalties, the most expensive when the Wallabies were camped in the French half looking for a late try and the big No 8 breached the ball. The captain made 18 tackles and made 30 metres.
Ryan Lonergan7
The Wallabies backline really buzzes when Lonergan is on the field and his organizational skills, kicking and passing game are impeccable. A Test launcher that is locked for now.
Declan Meredith 5
A tough Test start for the Brumbies player, who, when interviewed by Stan Sport, did not feasibly admit to being annoyed when he arrived at the sold-out Suncorp Stadium. The French winger was partly at fault for failing to read Romain Ntamack’s fierce shot from Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang’s try.
He completed 15 passes but did not provide any running threat. It was a lot to ask, and in an ideal world it would have been easier for this talented player to break into Test action much later had it not been for injuries.
Dylan Pietsch’s 6
They came and carried the ball for 49 meters. Pietsch is a former backrower and brings great physicality to his game.
Len Ikitau 6.5
The Wallabies always looked like a better team with Ikitau in their backline, moving an average of five meters per carry, the problem was he wasn’t given the ball enough by his teammates.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6.5
The recall started well with 22/50 but also provided some of the Wallabies’ best work in the back line.
Max Jorgensen 6
A mixed bag indeed, he saved the Wallabies with a save tackle and turnover but was penalized for tip tackle which completely turned the game around after such early momentum. He will be disappointed with the penalty. He almost scored but he put the ball in play.
Tom Wright’s 6
Wright’s yellow card proved extremely costly for the Wallabies, but equally the full-back made two saving tackles. Wright’s ongoing threat has not fully returned but he has an outstanding kicking game with two 50/22s.
reserves
Brandon Paenga-Amosa 8
He came on three minutes later and didn’t stop working for the Wallabies and was rewarded with a try. Hooker was badly missed on the Wallabies’ November tour. He was accurate in the formation and carried the ball for 34 metres.
James Slippers 5
A tough night for the veteran player who has contributed so much to Australian rugby. The tempo of the game really impressed him.
Taniela Tupou 6
A quick break from Tupou gave Suncorp Stadium something to cheer about, but unfortunately it did not result in a try.
Lachlan Shaw 5
It was a very tough introduction to Test rugby for the youngster against Ireland and France. He will get better, but this is a very difficult apprenticeship he has to endure.
Crespigny’s Nick Champion 5.5
Breaking with its French heritage, Hard Power was unable to impose itself physically on the French.
Tate McDermott 6
He sniped as usual and kept the French defense honest, but could not influence the game.
Jock Campbell 5.5
A tough night for Campbell after a strong performance against Ireland, where he was forced to line up five-eighth and plug gaps in the back line.
Filipo Daugunu 4.5
It’s not his night. He missed a tackle which led to Theo Attissogbe trying for France.
