France showcased an impressive performance in rugby on Saturday, achieving a significant 52-12 victory over Japan at the Stade de France. This match marked the team’s return to their home ground following their World Cup quarter-final defeat to South Africa, and it served as a solid preparation for their upcoming clash with New Zealand.
The standout player was Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored two tries, as did Paul Boudehent. Additional tries came from Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros, while Thomas Ramos successfully converted six tries, marking this win as France’s most substantial against Japan in an official test.
Despite a challenging match, Japan managed to score two tries in the second half, thanks to Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu. However, this loss extended their streak to six consecutive defeats under the leadership of Eddie Jones, who aims to elevate Japan to a top-four status in world rugby.
Returning to the lineup was scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who had been preparing for the Paris Olympics with the Rugby Sevens team, and his influence was palpable as he orchestrated France’s attack, demonstrating exceptional play.
The first half was exceedingly one-sided, with France taking a commanding 31-0 lead at halftime. Bielle-Biarrey initiated the scoring with an early try, followed by two more tries within the first quarter of the match. Japan, struggling defensively, could not keep pace with France’s relentless offense.
In the second half, France continued their dominance, scoring further tries, while Japan displayed signs of resilience by executing a couple of well-coordinated plays. Boudehent finished the night with a late try, contributing to France’s staggering eight tries.
This emphatic victory not only boosts France’s confidence as they look forward to facing New Zealand next week but also highlights areas for improvement for Japan under Eddie Jones. With a restructured team and strategic adjustments, Japan may yet have the potential to rise to greater heights in international rugby.
In summary, France’s dominant victory serves as a reminder of their prowess on the rugby field and heralds exciting prospects for future matches, where they will aim to build momentum against top-tier opponents.
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