11 Sep 2011

Pas de probleme for Les Bleus

6:40 am on 11 September 2011

France scored a 47-21 bonus point victory over Japan in their Rugby World Cup match, but had to fight hard in the second half at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium.

The French led 25-11 at half-time, scoring three tries to one, but were pushed hard as numerous mistakes crept in during the second period and Japan closed to within four points with 20 minutes to go.

Former Auckland and Northland first five James Alridge was Japan's solitary scorer, running in two tries and kicking 11 points as the Brave Blossoms threatened to produce the greatest World Cup upset.

However, Lionel Nallet, Pascal Pape and Morgan Parra powered over for a late tries to secure the win as France joined New Zealand at the top of Pool A after the All Blacks beat Tonga on Friday. Canada are the fifth team in the pool.

The other French tries came from lock Julien Pierre, first five eighth Francois Trinh-Duc and wing Vincent Clerc.