France delivered a stunning performance against Japan, winning 52-12 in an impressive display at Stade de France on Saturday. This match comes as they prepare for a highly anticipated encounter with New Zealand next weekend, following last year’s World Cup.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey was named Man of the Match, scoring two tries, along with Paul Boudehent who also notched up two. Other contributors to the scoreline included Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros, with Thomas Ramos converting six tries, marking France’s most significant victory against Japan in an official test match.
Japan struggled throughout, trailing 31-0 at halftime. They managed to secure two tries in the second half from Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu, with Naoto Saito converting one, but this resulted in their sixth consecutive loss since Eddie Jones reassumed coaching duties at the end of last year.
The French side, under coach Fabien Galthie, welcomed back star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. He had been absent from the Six Nations to prepare for the Paris Olympics with the Rugby Sevens squad, where he won gold. The match marked France’s return to Stade de France after their World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa, and they delighted the chilly crowd with their performance.
The match showcased France’s dominance, particularly in the first half, as they demonstrated an attacking strategy that seemed to leave Japan struggling to keep pace. They effectively exploited gaps in Japan’s defense, with Bielle-Biarrey’s pace and Dupont’s strategic play managing to steer the team through a solid victory.
Despite the harsh defeat, Japan showed glimpses of potential to develop into a stronger team under Jones’ leadership, but they will need time and perseverance to reach the elite ranks in international rugby.
Overall, this match not only serves as a morale booster for France ahead of their challenge against New Zealand but also reinforces the promise of growth and improvement for Japan in the long run. As both teams prepare for the future, fans can look forward to thrilling rugby ahead.
This emphatic win by France is a clear reminder of their potential as they gear up for the upcoming challenges, and it serves as an encouragement for Japan to reform and strive for better outcomes in their next games.
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