France celebrated a resounding 52-12 victory over Japan at Stade de France, showcasing their strength and skill as they prepared for their upcoming match against New Zealand. The game marked France’s return to the iconic venue following their narrow defeat to South Africa in last year’s World Cup quarter-finals.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Paul Boudehent each scored two tries, contributing significantly to the team’s impressive performance. Other scorers included Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros, while Thomas Ramos successfully converted six of the tries, marking France’s largest win against Japan in test history.
Japan struggled throughout the match, heading into halftime trailing 31-0. Despite scoring two tries in the second half through Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu, they faced a challenging situation under coach Eddie Jones, who is focused on elevating the team to a top-four status, realizing it’s a long journey ahead.
Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, returning after missing the Six Nations to train for the Paris Olympics, made a notable impact with his strategic play. The match demonstrated France’s dominance, particularly in the first half, where their buoyant defense and fluid attack kept Japan on the back foot.
France’s 19-year-old Theo Attissogbe made an impression after stepping in for Damian Penaud, who was unable to play due to illness. The hosts dominated with continuous scoring, including four tries in the first half that set the tone for the remainder of the game.
The match provided plenty of entertainment for the home crowd, highlighting France’s potential as a formidable contender ahead of their next challenge. As they continue to build momentum, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the team, eagerly anticipating their forthcoming matches.
In summary, France’s emphatic victory serves as a positive indicator of their readiness as they gear up for future encounters, particularly their anticipated clash with New Zealand. The blend of returning talent and young players foreshadows a promising path forward for the French rugby team.
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