France delivered a stunning performance against Japan, overpowering them with a dominant 52-12 victory at the Stade de France. This match marked their return to the iconic venue following last year’s World Cup, setting the stage for an important upcoming clash with New Zealand.
The standout players included Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Paul Boudehent, each scoring two tries, while Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros also crossed the line, contributing to France’s largest win over Japan in an official test. Thomas Ramos excelled in the kicking department, converting six tries.
Japan, however, faced challenges, entering halftime with a staggering deficit of 31-0. In the second half, they managed to score two tries from Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu, with Naoto Saito converting one, but it was not enough to alter the outcome of the match. This loss marked Japan’s sixth straight defeat since Eddie Jones resumed as head coach late last year.
The French team celebrated the return of scrumhalf Antoine Dupont following his absence during the Six Nations as he prepared for the Rugby Olympics, where he secured a gold medal with the Rugby Sevens team. Back on their home ground for the first time since their narrow loss to South Africa in the World Cup quarter-finals, France delighted their fans with a commanding performance, with Dupont orchestrating play effectively.
In the first half, France made their intentions clear, scoring tries through a combination of strategic kicks and effective teamwork, leaving the Japanese defense struggling. Bielle-Biarrey opened the scoring with a decisive try after a well-placed kick. Ramos swiftly followed up with a cross-kick that allowed Gailleton to extend the lead. The French continued to exploit defensive lapses in Japan’s lineup, resulting in a series of tries before the halftime break.
The second half saw France maintain their momentum, with a further display of strength and skill, leading to a total of eight tries. Despite some moments of promise from Japan, including a couple of tries, the overall match highlighted the gap between the teams as France showcased their depth and talent.
This significant victory not only boosts France’s confidence as they prepare for upcoming competitions but also serves as a reminder to Japan of the challenges they face in striving for higher standards under their current coach. The outcome reinforces France’s status as a formidable force in rugby and sets them on a promising path toward their future matches.
In summary, this decisive win for France sets a positive tone for their next challenges, and it showcases their potential as they aim for success on the international stage. It’s also an opportunity for Japan to regroup and learn from this experience as they continue to build their team under Eddie Jones.
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