TOKYO:
France beat Japan 42-15 on Saturday to wrap up their Nations Championship southern hemisphere collection with a snug win in humid Tokyo.
France scored six tries in opposition to a Japan aspect that by no means gave in however had been finally outclassed by the Six Nations champions.
The outcome meant France completed their three video games with wins over Australia and Japan and a loss to New Zealand, whereas Japan beat Italy and misplaced to each Eire and France.
“We all know the World Cup is a yr away and we had that in our minds,” stated France captain Maxime Lucu.
“We have performed three large matches in opposition to southern hemisphere groups and we’ve got three extra in November.
“We return with two victories and we’re pleased.”
The sport kicked off in 28 Celsius warmth and excessive humidity in entrance of greater than 50,000 followers at Japan’s Nationwide Stadium, though the forecast rain didn’t arrive.
Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lamothe scored two tries every for France, with Alexandre Roumat and Lucu bagging the others.
“We knew that Japan would combat very arduous and we had been prepared for them,” stated France wing Theo Attissogbe.
“It was a troublesome battle however in the long run we’re pleased to get our second win.”
Kippei Ishida and Sojiro Otsuka scored within the first half for Japan.
“The finishers did very well for us,” stated Japan coach Eddie Jones.
“The final 20 minutes, I believe we had the very best of the play.”
Each groups began with utterly completely different entrance rows from their earlier video games, anticipating a fierce bodily contest.
France scored the opening strive within the second minute after successful a lineout and rumbling over the Japan line for Lamothe to the touch down.
France had been hit with a setback when flanker Lenni Nouchi and lock Florian Verhaege each needed to go away the sector for concussion checks.
Japan took benefit by scoring a penalty and a strive in fast succession, Ishida turning on the afterburners to streak residence within the fifteenth minute.
France hit again with a Jalibert strive, with Japan lock Harry Hockings sin-binned within the fast aftermath.
Roumat, who was making his first worldwide look since February 2025, added one other strive 4 minutes later to place France in agency management.
Lucu dashed over for France’s fourth of the sport, however Japan gave themselves a lifeline when Otsuka scored a strive 4 minutes earlier than half-time.
Jalibert scored once more two minutes into the second half, earlier than Lamothe additionally bought his second of the sport lower than 10 minutes later.
Jalibert was sin-binned halfway by the second half for an unlawful sort out.
The TMO (tv match official) denied Japan one other strive when substitute Tiennan Expensive crossed the road simply moments after approaching.
