France delivered a stunning performance at the Stade de France, dominating Japan in a 52-12 victory as they gear up for their highly anticipated match against New Zealand next week.
The match saw standout performances from Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Paul Boudehent, who both scored two tries. Additional tries were contributed by Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros. Thomas Ramos successfully converted six of these tries, allowing France to secure their largest official test win against Japan.
Japan struggled throughout the game, trailing 31-0 at halftime, and managed to score two tries in the second half courtesy of Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu, with one conversion by Naoto Saito. This defeat marks Japan’s sixth consecutive loss since Eddie Jones resumed as coach last year.
French coach Fabien Galthie also welcomed back scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who had missed the Six Nations to prepare with the Rugby Sevens team for the Paris Olympics, where he previously won a gold medal. The game at the Stade de France was their first since a narrow quarter-final loss to South Africa in last year’s World Cup, and the team ensured a memorable night for their fans.
The match showcased a one-sided first half, revealing challenges for Japan as they aim to elevate their standing in international rugby under Jones’s leadership. Young player Theo Attissogbe stepped in for an ill Damian Penaud, further emphasizing France’s depth in talent.
With a mix of creative plays and effective teamwork, France was able to assert dominance early in the match. The opening try from Bielle-Biarrey set the tone, and subsequently, they consistently breached Japan’s defense with precision and strategy.
Despite Japan’s attempts to counter, including their tries in the second half, France maintained their offensive pressure, completing the match with a total of eight tries.
Overall, this performance underscores France’s growing strength as they prepare for future challenges, particularly their upcoming matchup against New Zealand. The positive takeaway from this match is France’s ability to execute their game plan effectively and showcase their emerging talents on a big stage, contributing to a hopeful outlook for their continued development in international rugby.
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