France have defeated Japan 51–29 in their Pool B clash at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.
On a muggy 25 degree night in Australia’s far north, France maintained their unbeaten record in Rugby World Cup Pool matches, but were made to work hard against a fiercely competitive Japanese outfit.
In a game marked by an impassioned Japan who refused to give up, a crowd of over 21,000 witnessed continued comebacks, the first from a 14 point deficit to go in four points down at half time.
Japan were first to get on the score board in the first half through the reliable boot of Toru Kurihara, who kicked a penalty in the fourth minute.
However the French quickly countered with fly half Frederic Michalak running through a hole to score 60 seconds later.
The French tried to increase the pressure, Les Bleus flanker Olivier Magne slipping a pass inside to Aurelien Rougerie, the wing slicing through the Japanese defence to run 30 metres and score.
Both teams continued to exchange penalties before Japan's centre George Konia finished a stylish backline movement to run over for the Cherry Blossoms' first try.
The second half began like the first with a successful long range penalty kick by Kurihara, which brought the two sides to within a point at 20–19.
However the French again replied with two consecutive tries, the first off the ruck to second row Fabien Pelous and the second, in the 52nd minute, through wing Christophe Dominici who ran blind this time off a scrum.
Both Michalak and Kurihara traded penalties, in the 57th and 65th minutes respectively, and it was looking like the Japanese could come back like they did in the first half, the score then 37-22.
Rougerie put an end to such hopes however with a powerful display of running, using all his 94 kilograms to bullock over the line to seemingly put the result beyond doubt.
However the Japanese never gave up and scored again through wide backline play in which Daisuke Ohata received the final pass to scamper over, the score 44-29.
In the end the French had the final say, scoring a try through reserve Crenca five minutes before the final whistle to end the scoring exchange at 51-29.
France maintain their first place in Pool B with the win, ahead of Scotland. Japan are still looking for their first win in RWC 2003 and lie in fifth position in the Pool.
Japan face Fiji next, again in Townsville on 23 October, whilst France play Scotland in Sydney two days later.
Stay tuned for live coverage of clash of the titans, England and South Africa, next at rugbyworldcup.com
Scorers:
France: 51
Tries: Rougerie (2), Michalak, Pelous, Dominici, Crenca
Conversions: Michalak (5), Merceron (1)
Penalties: Michalak (3)
Japan: 29
Tries: Konia, Ohata,
Conversions: Kurihara (2)
Penalties: Kurihara (5)