Romain Ntamack was part of the winning France side
©Steve Haag
Japan 15-42 France, National Stadium
France rounded off the first leg of the Nations Championship with a commanding 42-15 win over Japan at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Les Bleus scored six tries in a high-tempo and often loose contest, with hooker Maxime Lamothe and full-back Matthieu Jalibert both crossing twice. Alexandre Roumat and Maxime Lucu also scored, while Lucu and Romain Ntamack converted all six French tries.
Japan showed flashes of attacking quality, but they could not contain France’s power at the maul or their pace in open play. The result ended Japan’s opening run after a win over Italy and a competitive defeat to Ireland.
Lamothe Gives France Early Lead
France struck inside the opening two minutes. From a lineout maul, Lamothe powered over as Japan struggled to deal with the visitors’ forward strength.
Japan looked unsettled early, but they responded well. Takuro Matsunaga kicked a penalty before the Brave Blossoms produced a fine counterattacking move, finished by winger Kippei Ishida. That score briefly put Japan ahead.
The lead did not last long. Japan lost a player to the sin bin, and France quickly took control. Jalibert, who had missed training during the build-up because of injury, found space as Japan’s defence back-pedalled and crossed for a try.
France Take Control Before Half-Time
France continued to punish Japan’s problems at the maul. Roumat rolled over from another driving lineout before Lucu scored the bonus-point try.
Japan rallied before the break when prop Sojiro Otsuka powered through several French defenders from a close-range tap penalty. That reduced the deficit to 28-15 at half-time and gave the hosts some hope.
Jalibert And Lamothe Strike Again
France made another fast start after the restart. Lucu delivered a switch pass to Jalibert, who juggled the ball before stepping through to score his second try.
Lamothe then added his second of the match from another strong French maul, stretching the lead to 42-15.
France had two players sent to the sin bin in the final quarter, but Japan could not add to their score. The hot and humid conditions took a toll on both sides as the match lost some of its rhythm late on.
The win completed a strong opening block for France, following their narrow defeat to New Zealand and victory over Australia.