TOKYO — France defeated Japan 42-15 at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday in the third round of the Nations Championship, strengthening their position in the new 12-team tournament. Captain Maxime Lucu was the standout performer with 15 points (one try and five conversions), while Matthieu Jalibert and hooker Maxime Lamothe each scored two tries.
The reigning Six Nations champions opened the scoring in the second minute through Lamothe, who drove over after a close-range lineout. Japan responded quickly: fullback Takuro Matsunaga kicked a penalty goal and then sparked a long-range counter-attack finished by winger Kippei Ishida in the 15th minute, giving the Brave Blossoms an 8-7 lead.
France regained control over the next 20 minutes. Jalibert scored in the 19th after sustained forward pressure that resulted in a yellow card for Japan lock Harry Hockings, and No. 8 Alexandre Roumat crossed in the 23rd. Just past the half-hour mark, Lucu darted over after a strong run from Lamothe to score France's fourth try, securing the bonus point.
Japan cut the deficit to 13 points with a try four minutes before halftime, going into the break trailing 28-15.
France struck early in the second half, with Jalibert changing angles and taking a short pass from Lucu to score his second try in the 43rd minute. Lamothe completed his double in the 51st after more forward pressure, making it 42-15. Jalibert was yellow-carded for a high tackle in the 58th, but Japan could not capitalize. A Japanese try was disallowed in the 63rd, and the hosts failed to score in the second half.
"Despite the very hot and humid climate, we managed to have long ball sequences. We are really happy to have a second victory," said France winger Theo Attissogbe.
Japan finished the first phase of the Nations Championship with a win over Italy (27-10) and consecutive losses to Ireland and France. France continues its successful tour following last week's 42-26 win over Australia in Brisbane and the opening 34-32 loss to the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/france-japan-rugby-nations-championship-ea56f5072a3a886fb2b6d3c117158b76
