France made light work of a gallant Fijian side defeating the Islanders 40-15 in an entertaining match that was played on Saturday afternoon in Marseille. Fiji arrived in Europe having never beaten France in eight attempts and Philippe Saint-André made sure that record wasn’t broken under his belt on his home turf.
France brilliant form of the field was largely aided by hat-trick of tries from new winger Teddy Thomas and South African-born Scott Spedding who also shone on his first appearance for les Bleus. Competition is now rife in the French dressing room as players scramble for their places in Saint-Andre’s World Cup Squad.
But it was the 21 year old Thomas who had an unforgettable afternoon as he managed to find his rhythm in a tight game that could have gone either way. The Racing Metro winger scored within seconds of kickoff, adding two further tries in the second half with Pascal Pape and Wesley Fofana also influential in the win.
Wingers Watsitoni Votu and Timoci Nagusa scored a try each while Nemani Nadolo kicked a penalty and conversion for the Fijians.
France brilliant form of the field was largely aided by hat-trick of tries from new winger Teddy Thomas and South African-born Scott Spedding who also shone on his first appearance for les Bleus. Competition is now rife in the French dressing room as players scramble for their places in Saint-Andre’s World Cup Squad.
But it was the 21 year old Thomas who had an unforgettable afternoon as he managed to find his rhythm in a tight game that could have gone either way. The Racing Metro winger scored within seconds of kickoff, adding two further tries in the second half with Pascal Pape and Wesley Fofana also influential in the win.
Wingers Watsitoni Votu and Timoci Nagusa scored a try each while Nemani Nadolo kicked a penalty and conversion for the Fijians.
France will be up against Australia next weekend while Fiji will travel to Wales in what is expected to be a real humdinger as both sides seek to reawaken from their weekend losses.
Final Score: France 40 Fiji 15
Scorers
France:
Tries – Thomas (3), Pape, Fofana
Penalty – Lopez (3)
Conversion – Lopez (2), Kockott
Drop –
Cards –
Fiji:
Tries – Votu, Nalaga
Penalty – Nadolo
Conversion – Nadolo
Drop –
Cards –
Teams
France
Alexandre Menini, Guihem Guirado, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Damien Chouly, Sabastien Tillous-Borde, Camille Lopez, Teddy Thomas, Wesley Fofana, Alexandre Dumoulin, Yohan Huget, Scott Spedding
Fiji
Campese Ma'afu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Masi Matadigo, Nikola Matawalu, Jonetai Ralulu, Ratu Alipate Raitini, Levani Botia, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Watisoni Votu, Metuisela Tablebulamaijaina
Final Score: France 40 Fiji 15
Scorers
France:
Tries – Thomas (3), Pape, Fofana
Penalty – Lopez (3)
Conversion – Lopez (2), Kockott
Drop –
Cards –
Fiji:
Tries – Votu, Nalaga
Penalty – Nadolo
Conversion – Nadolo
Drop –
Cards –
Teams
France
Alexandre Menini, Guihem Guirado, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Damien Chouly, Sabastien Tillous-Borde, Camille Lopez, Teddy Thomas, Wesley Fofana, Alexandre Dumoulin, Yohan Huget, Scott Spedding
Fiji
Campese Ma'afu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Masi Matadigo, Nikola Matawalu, Jonetai Ralulu, Ratu Alipate Raitini, Levani Botia, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Watisoni Votu, Metuisela Tablebulamaijaina
By: Farai Diza
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