France Battles to Victory Over Spirited Fiji in Physical Encounter
France secured a hard-fought 41-26 victory over a resilient Fiji side last Saturday, though the match proved far from straightforward. The win, played out in frigid conditions at the Stade de France (where temperatures dipped to 1C), showcased both French attacking flair and Fijian determination.
This contest followed a disappointing week for the French team, marked by a record defeat against Ireland and late changes to the starting lineup. Fly-half Carter Gordon and hooker Billy pollard were ruled out due to injury on the eve of the match, forcing Head coach Fabien Galthié to adjust his plans.
early Momentum and first-Half Drama
The match began with a bang, as Australian replacement Matt Faessler crossed the line within three minutes, stunning the home crowd and establishing a 5-0 lead for the visitors.However, the early conversion was missed.
The first half unfolded as a back-and-forth affair, with both sides trading tries. Nicolas Depoortere and Thomas Ramos responded for France, while Angus Bell added a score for Fiji. By the half-hour mark, the score was locked at 12-12.
Discipline proved to be a significant issue for France, conceding eight penalties before halftime. FaesslerS second try brought the score to 19-19 at the break, demonstrating Fiji’s ability to capitalize on French errors.
Bielle-Biarrey Shines, France Pulls Ahead
France found a spark through winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, a player recently nominated for World Rugby’s Player of the Year award. He showcased his extraordinary skill, collecting a Damian Penaud pass and following up with a clever chip kick to score a stunning try.
Following Ramos’ conversion, France took a 19-12 lead. However, Fiji continued to pressure, and the game remained tightly contested.
With a quarter of the match remaining, France extended their advantage to 27-26. Ramos added a penalty, and depoortere secured his second try, assisted by another brilliant play from Bielle-Biarrey.
Late Surge Secures the Win
The final 20 minutes saw a flurry of activity, with both teams adding to the scoreboard. Max Jorgensen’s try for Fiji set up a tense finish, but Bielle-Biarrey responded with his second try of the match.
His performance was capped off with a spectacular finish eight minutes from time, gliding over after a powerful 40-meter break by debutant Kalvin Gourgues. This brought Bielle-Biarrey’s Test try tally to an notable 20 in just 22 appearances.
Ramos’ conversion extended the lead to 41-26. Late tries from Australian hooker Josh Nasser and French hooker Maxime Lamothe added gloss to the scoreline,ultimately confirming France’s victory.
Key Takeaways for You
* Bielle-biarrey’s Impact: the winger was undoubtedly the standout performer, demonstrating exceptional skill and finishing ability.
* Discipline Concerns: france’s high penalty count nearly cost them the game, highlighting an area needing immediate attention.
* fiji’s Resilience: Despite the loss, Fiji showcased their trademark attacking flair and competitive spirit, proving a challenging opponent.
* Gourgues’ Debut: The introduction of Kalvin Gourgues provided a spark,culminating in a memorable try-assisting run.
This victory, while not flawless, provides a valuable learning experience for France as they continue their preparations for future challenges. You can expect continued refinement and focus on discipline as they move forward.
