France showcased a dominant performance with an impressive 52-12 victory over Japan during their return to Stade de France. This match served as a strong preparation for their upcoming clash with New Zealand.
Highlighting the game’s excitement, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Paul Boudehent each scored two tries, with additional contributions from Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros. Thomas Ramos successfully converted six tries, marking France’s largest victory against Japan in an official test match.
Japan struggled throughout the first half, trailing 31-0 at halftime. Despite managing to score two tries in the second half through Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu, the team is now facing a challenging streak, having lost six consecutive matches since Eddie Jones resumed coaching duties.
French scrumhalf Antoine Dupont made a notable return after missing the Six Nations to focus on the Paris Olympics, where he previously earned a gold medal with the Rugby Sevens team. In front of an eager crowd, Dupont played a pivotal role in orchestrating France’s gameplay, further amplifying the team’s momentum.
France’s early dominance was evident as they secured their first three tries within the first ten minutes. The powerful combination of strategy and execution gave them a comfortable lead, while Japan’s efforts to mount a comeback proved insufficient.
The French team’s depth was demonstrated as they effectively rotated players and adjusted their strategy mid-game. While Japan showed glimpses of potential, they need time and development under Jones’s guidance to become more competitive on the world stage.
This match, while difficult for Japan, serves as an important learning experience, and it remains hopeful that with the right adjustments, they can improve moving forward.
In summary, France’s emphatic win over Japan not only marks a remarkable comeback to Stade de France, but it also showcases their readiness for future challenges, particularly in their upcoming face-off against New Zealand. The match illustrates the potential for growth and resilience for both teams in their respective journeys.
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