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00:00Onto it like a flash.
00:01The only bad news for France in the first half was the injury to Roman Enzimac.
00:06So perhaps bigger picture, they've got issues at fly half.
00:09But at 26-3, try bonus point in the bag, looking pretty good here at the moment against Fiji.
00:20Rachel Burford, an expert commentary tonight, well-cut winner with England.
00:24What did Fiji have to do in the second half to try and get back into the game somehow?
00:27Yeah, I think you've got to credit France's defence.
00:30You know that this Fiji outfit is extremely explosive and powerful,
00:34but they've dealt with that first carry collision, which has stifled that momentum.
00:38They've not been able to get into that free-flowing or off-loading,
00:40but where they have been at their best,
00:43and Bossy in that midfield gets them some really good go-for-meters.
00:47A couple of little pickings goes through the ruck as well from Nathan Hughes.
00:49Just getting France on that back foot.
00:52They're going to have to work through phases to really try and pull this defensive French team
00:57out of shape.
00:57Second half is underway in Lyon.
01:00Dupont takes the long restart.
01:05And France with a makeshift 9 and 10.
01:08Well, Dupont, he's not makeshift at Scrum Arf,
01:11but LeCou, not normally a fly half,
01:14but in the standoff position.
01:16That's come out of that breakdown into Fijian hands.
01:19So really good early field position for them here at the top of the second half.
01:26France had double the run-meters of Fiji in the opening 40 minutes.
01:36Missed tackles was a problem for Fiji.
01:3819 of them in the first half, but they have possession here.
01:41Just the penalty on the board so far.
01:44Here's Nathan Hughes on his test debut for Fiji, the 35-year-old.
01:50Out in the back to Bottice.
01:53He saw a half gap.
01:54Masi was running a tight line.
01:58He could have got the ball to Masi.
02:00He might have been able to create something for Fiji.
02:03Still have possession here.
02:05Plenty of phases for Fiji in the first half.
02:08They just couldn't find the attacking moment,
02:11and then they get themselves in a tangle there.
02:15And that almost sums up their attacking game so far tonight.
02:18It's just, it's been a little bit clunky so far.
02:22Yeah, it's really disappointing, isn't it?
02:23There's lots of good moments in that.
02:25You could start seeing them getting over that gain line,
02:28stressing the defence for France,
02:31and then it just became their own error.
02:33Lack of communication off the ball.
02:36Realignment.
02:38Both picking off the ball.
02:40Really frustrating.
02:43Shot of William Servat, you saw there,
02:46chatting to head coach Fabien Gaultier.
02:49Servat, an accomplished player in his time for France,
02:51scrum coach.
02:53The new defence coach for Fiji is Dave Ellis,
02:56who held the role with France for 11 years.
02:59So they must have some good IP on this French team.
03:06But at the moment, it's Fiji that have conceded those four tries.
03:12And Dupont gets it away inside from Gorg to BLBRA,
03:18who had glimpses of brilliance in the first half,
03:22just wasn't able to quite burst clear.
03:24But you always feel with BLBRA,
03:26that moment's not far away.
03:28And a turnover's never far away for Kitsioni Salawa.
03:32Good work from the Fijian open side again.
03:34Nathan Hughes thinks about the two-handed pass over the top,
03:37but holds on and carries forward.
03:40That's a heavy hit coming in from Boudin on Coup de Volley.
03:47Still managing to recycle here,
03:49but now a counter-ruck from France.
03:51Fiji's just about getting it away,
03:52but it's hard work for them.
03:56France putting the press on,
03:58but Hughes finds some space in behind the ruck,
04:01and thunders up to the halfway line, Nathan.
04:03Hughes.
04:05Quick hands over the top,
04:07and here he goes now.
04:09Zuta, Wein and Kolo.
04:11Masi on the wraparound.
04:12The two Lyon men in Lyon,
04:14combining there.
04:17Vovivovic.
04:19Really good run-up field back.
04:23Rayasi's in at scrum half,
04:24although he doesn't look 100% the full-back.
04:27He was holding an arm
04:28as he went into that breakdown,
04:30and here's Josefo Masi again.
04:36Out the back from Botitu,
04:38over the top to Horavu Talmanda,
04:41and it's forward again
04:42as Galtier has completed his chat with Servat,
04:46and he's heading back to the coaching box,
04:49and in back play,
04:51Fiji are giving attention to Salesi Rayasi.
04:55Yeah, and all that momentum through that,
04:57right through the breakdown,
04:59Nathan Hughes just has a little look up,
05:01spots a bit of space.
05:02This is what gets the ball into the outside, Charles,
05:04and we know exactly what this man can do
05:05in a bit of space.
05:07Linking up with his Lyon man,
05:08Masi,
05:09a little wraparound.
05:11Always beats the first defender.
05:13Draws in two.
05:17Unfortunate work on the other side of the field.
05:18The ball just going slightly forward.
05:23And Rayasi is still down,
05:25receiving some treatment.
05:28Well, Fiji have made a double change.
05:30Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola
05:32are out on the field
05:34to win their 50th caps
05:35for Fiji.
05:38And Rayasi sitting down
05:39is Villamoni Bortito.
05:41This is Salesi Rayasi.
05:43Yeah, that looks painful,
05:44that right hand.
05:45He was holding it
05:46as he went into play scrum after that ruck,
05:48and I think it was so painful,
05:49he just sort of joined the breakdown
05:51because he couldn't pass the ball away.
05:53There's Ben Volavola
05:55who kicked the winning points
05:56when Fiji last beat France.
05:59Well, the only time they beat France.
06:00Up in Paris in 2018,
06:04Jake White's got him out there
06:06with some clear instructions, no doubt.
06:08He's got him out there.
06:09He's got him out there.
06:09He's got him out there.
06:09He's got him out there.
06:10He's got him out there.
06:12He's got him out there.
06:13He's got him out there.
06:15He's got him out there.
06:17He's got him out there.
06:18He's got him out there.
06:20He's got him out there.
06:21He's got him out there.
06:23He's got him out there.
06:25He's got him out there.
06:28He's got him out there.
06:30He's got him out there.
06:30He's got him out there.
06:30He's got him out there.
06:31He's got him out there.
06:33He's got him out there.
06:35He's got him out there.
06:47the first half that led to the injury, apparently went straight back in and he's with the physio but fly
06:52half, injury issues for France.
06:55And Samak tonight, Jalabert out at the moment, Antoine Astoy as well, who's the number three.
07:03So interesting to see going forward how they manage that situation.
07:08Penalty advantage France here at the scrub.
07:12They decide to carry it away.
07:15Dupont, another penalty advantage coming France's way.
07:21Offside retreat, there's about three players.
07:24It's interesting, we didn't see that scrum play out because Antoine Dupont put the ball in and then ran to
07:30the fly half position.
07:33They did talk about they're going to be trying some new things at set piece time.
07:40Yeah, we've got an all-new front row preparing to come on for France.
07:43OK, one, two, three, six.
07:45Cameron Wolke on his 28th birthday.
07:49That was the first infringement for the penalty and then offside was the second.
07:52As you were all retreating, France had moved way upfield.
07:55You were just all in the way.
07:57So, yeah, good night for the two French starting props.
07:59Jean-Baptiste Gros and Sipili Valatea.
08:02How many?
08:02A try each.
08:07The Aussie-born Tom Staniforfs out on the field as well.
08:10As well as Peto Malvaca, Jefferson Poirot and Regis Montagne.
08:16All-new front row for France.
08:18Knock on advantage.
08:20Knock on advantage.
08:20Knock on advantage.
08:23Knock on advantage.
08:25Balani to Vola, Vola.
08:27Pressure.
08:28Marci kicks it upfield.
08:29In fact, Pambossi.
08:31Partis Sogbe.
08:3421, 21.
08:4321.
08:44Didn't stop.
08:45I asked it three times.
08:51Yeah, he was very clear with his cons, but often as a player when you're chasing a ball down, you're
08:55not listening out for a number.
08:58But he's got to be scanning.
09:00You've got to be aware of where you are.
09:01You've got to be onside.
09:04This is an area that Fiji has struggled with.
09:06Defending, driving line outs.
09:11Been a big work on Fortham.
09:16And Vaheg wins it in the middle.
09:19And France.
09:22Get into gear.
09:25Crowd getting behind their team.
09:28Might have to play here, Dupont.
09:30He's got Luka coming around the corner, but they go with the second shove, and they've got themselves offside France.
09:38Staniforth.
09:39And Ko just...
09:41The old term truck and trailer there.
09:46They had ten players in that line-out.
09:49Again, another set-piece variation.
09:53Again, Gautier talking about wanting to try things at set-piece time.
09:57Just that one not functioning.
09:59Clarity not right coming on the field.
10:01You want to be able to make an impact positively.
10:03OK, so what have you done?
10:04See, there you've got Grandidier in there.
10:06Moffana, Dupont.
10:07And it's here, it's on the secondary part.
10:09Go on!
10:13OK.
10:15Interesting change-up from France.
10:17Just wait, wait, wait...
10:17Yeah, from Didier.
10:18I think you're waiting for a player.
10:20More Fahna.
10:23Ten-man driving line-out with Dupont helping out as well.
10:27Oh, sorry.
10:28Time's up.
10:29Have you got the player?
10:34We're waiting for one of your players.
10:36We're waiting for a Fiji player.
10:42Have we made a decision?
10:49So a potential sub here for Fiji, but they're taking their time over it.
10:52Alaya Tanakaidvata.
10:57He had a shot, has his tracksuit off on the sideline.
11:01That's OK. Time's off. It is waiting.
11:04And they will make the change.
11:08In fact, it's Petelli Yato who's coming on the field for Peter Gus Sawakula.
11:15So just wait, lads. I'll give you a bit of time.
11:18Petelli Yato is having another great season in the softball team.
11:24Peter Gus Sawakula. I think that could be an HIA. He's heading to the tunnel.
11:32Nathan Hughes on the carry.
11:38Lomani. He's got Volo Volo in the pocket.
11:42I think Volo Volo wants Lomani to take the responsibility.
11:46He does so. Sends it high. Grandidier takes it well.
11:49As he so often does.
11:54Dupont. Staniforth.
11:57Moifana.
11:58He likes to glide across field and then check through a gap.
12:03There's Moifana. He's Staniforth again.
12:10Guyard now. Another Lyon man on the show tonight.
12:16Luku. Promotes the ball to BLBRA.
12:20And now that's his Sogbe almost over the sideline.
12:23Keeps his heels in the air.
12:25And then the counter up from Fiji. Good defensive work that.
12:28On the left edge from Fiji. Need a bit more of that turnover ball here.
12:32Can they get a quick ruck and make something of it?
12:33Okay. Use it please. No, no. He's bound.
12:36It's a bit slow again.
12:38And Lomani is going to kick again.
12:44BLBRA.
12:46A bit of contact with Wijnankolo in the air.
12:49But no harm done.
12:50But yeah, a penalty will come for a high shot for France.
12:54And here's Dupont. Taps and goes.
12:57Dupont flicks it indoors to Moifana.
13:00Here come France.
13:02Beto Malvaca.
13:04He's a hooker but he runs like a back.
13:07Pounding advantage France.
13:15Well that's what the crowd have come to see.
13:20Bit of French flair. Dupont.
13:25Bursting away.
13:28Looking back to his best isn't he? Just sharp as anything.
13:32Recognises the opportunity to quick tap.
13:34Gets away from one, two.
13:36The little back door offload to Moifana.
13:38Right on his shoulder.
13:41And Malvaca route one.
13:43And this is the infringement of the penalty.
13:49Regulation eight forwards in that line-out.
13:51And there's a knock on though from France.
13:53So they should get the extra two in there.
13:56But yeah, talking about Dupont.
13:58I mean, he's been doing those no-look flick passes.
14:02Real Dohers.
14:04In the top 14 this season.
14:05He's-
14:06He's been coming up with some brilliant moments.
14:09Like he's never skipped a beat.
14:11Of course, he didn't play in July.
14:16it was look who jala bear over the nine and seven for the the most part of on the on
14:21the
14:22mall as soon as we'd be having three rounds of the nation's championship
14:28but as soon as he breaks away it regenerates too many handling errors you might think from
14:33a french point of view 12 in the game so far but they have been chanting their arm quite a
14:38bit
14:41you see dupont's already made that decision two free steps before he's even in the
14:45position to give that offload he's scanning mofana picking up off him
14:51and i think the conversation you had with the referee was
14:55we had the advantage why didn't you play a bit more advantage and we could have
15:00reloaded gone again because they had fiji on toast
15:08let's go so inside shoulder well some of the unused french players gregory
15:13aldrich on the right of shot there when you can leave players like him out you know you're doing
15:17okay it's part of the warm-up and some of the names who aren't playing for france
15:25oscar jagu went down during the week anthony jelanch thibault flamont emmanuel
15:31and the likes of penneau deportier and ardu released back to their clubs
15:36you talk about strength and depth in in international rugby uh i mean no country has it like france
15:50the right of course yet that injury to internet will concern them
15:58Let's go, let's go, okay, perfect, okay, crouch, bind, set, free kick to Fiji this time.
16:24Get a number of warnings coming in from Carl Dixon, I think Fiji are just trying to get this off
16:30field, relieve some pressure.
16:34There's a free kick, so he couldn't kick it out on the floor, and Grandivier and Canang will kick and
16:39chase himself, and wins it in the air, and here's Jefferson Poirot, he's part of that French team with DuPont,
16:47the loss to Fiji up in Paris eight years ago, spot tackle not quite made from Ravu Talmanda.
16:53And it's still alive for France, here comes Biel, Biarré, Moëfana, lovely handling from the tight forwards, Staniforth now.
17:03DuPont delays the ball beautifully to Verhaegue.
17:07Gets it off the deck to Staniforth again.
17:13The speed of these French players get themselves back up off the deck to get back into action.
17:21Moëfana.
17:25Staniforth, multiple carries for him since coming onto the field, has been chopped down by Peseliato.
17:31Dupont gets away from one outrageous dummy, tries to throw it over the top, and this might work out, but
17:37Cameron Woky, it does.
17:41Cameron Woky, right place, right time, celebrates his 28th birthday with a fourth try for France.
17:55What an incredible build-up to that try.
17:58The soft handling again from the forwards, right at the line.
18:01You can see here, DuPont trying to go over the top of the Fijian winger.
18:08And then Woky, I wonder if they will have a look at whether Woky got a hand to that.
18:13Just, okay, we're just going to slow it down, so stop the shot clock, just give us time.
18:18Stop the shot clock.
18:19No suspicions are correct, Rachel.
18:22Just let me know if you need to go formal.
18:23He didn't celebrate, did he, with gusto.
18:26Woky, I mean, he's a pretty mild-mannered guy.
18:30Dico, I'd like to go formal with this, please.
18:32But, yeah, they are going to have a formal check here.
18:34That's Ian Tempest, the television match official, you can hear.
18:36We're looking at a knock-on by Blue Six, I believe.
18:40Blue Seven.
18:41Blue Seven.
18:42Okay, thanks.
18:57Okay, so Tempest, what you're telling me is Blue Seven clearly touches that ball and goes forward.
19:08Dico, the ball hits the hand of Blue Seven.
19:11Okay.
19:11And goes forward, so it's a knock-on by Blue, so no try.
19:15That's correct.
19:16Okay, I have a decision.
19:20Okay, Blue Seven clearly knocks the ball on.
19:23It goes forward from his hand, so therefore it's no try.
19:28Knocked on by Blue.
19:31Cameron Woky will have to wait a little longer to celebrate his birthday with a try tonight.
19:39I think they got it right.
19:41I think they got it right.
19:42I mean, his hand got there before Vinicolo's, it looked like on that evidence.
19:45I mean, his hand got there before Vinicolo's, it looked like on that evidence.
19:46And Tempest made the decision.
19:48Pretty clear stuff.
19:49Pretty clear stuff.
19:53Pretty clear stuff.
19:54Pretty clear stuff.
20:04Very simple.
20:05Regis Montagna on the tight-head side, now for France.
20:08Beto Malvaca and Jefferson Boireau.
20:24Crouch!
20:28Vine!
20:31One, two, set!
20:36More.
20:37And a reset for this one.
20:42Big pressure coming through that.
20:45It's more space, no space.
20:53Three feet up, behind.
20:55OK, let's go.
21:00Still working hard, but it's starting.
21:03The front three of Tani Mikanavati and Mawai.
21:17Two scrum losses for Fiji tonight.
21:19Both of them have been because of not hooking.
21:22But for the second time in a row, three kicks.
21:26Goes in their favour.
21:30That's the second time.
21:33Well, former scrum off, Carl Dixon.
21:39Explains his decision there to France.
21:42Didion Kanan gives it to Sogba.
21:44He kicks high.
21:47Chases his own kick.
21:48Well taken, though, by Voti Voti in the air.
21:52Lomani.
21:53Yata.
21:54He's hit by Mawaka.
21:56He's hit to Wanankolo.
21:59Imagine quite a few of the Leon locals here would be forgiven for cheering him on.
22:04If he could find a line break.
22:06Something even more spectacular.
22:08Leading tri-scorer in the top 14.
22:09Last season was Wanankolo.
22:14No, no, 12.
22:17Still using the kicking game, Fiji.
22:19France had the ball back.
22:20It's Staniforth.
22:23What's up?
22:24What's up?
22:24What's up?
22:24What's up?
22:24What's up?
22:25What's up?
22:39What's up?
22:39He has got a seat belt, seat belt, tackle.
22:42Face paper.
22:43See?
22:48Who do you feel the Fiji, just can't got into any momentum.
22:51If he can't get into it, a couple of tackles getting hit backwards, trying to force the outflow.
22:59normally a winger is uh vanaya humbles you can't often see him in the midfield
23:07it's just a different look isn't it i mean that's that's your old spot rachel what what what sort
23:12of transitions are they moving from the wing into the sensor position like that yeah certainly
23:17some different elements but he's played a bit at 13 so that kind of interchangeable i guess it
23:22depends what you want from your 12 he's been a pretty direct runner for them and he has delivered
23:28in that space defensively i think both him and massey have done well in those outside channels
23:36so you know it's building a new combination for this fiji side
23:43so they have made changes in the front row fiji
23:46pennie ravi okay and the nokie
23:51replacement tight header out there
23:54and uh france are making another change here flora vahe's leading the field he's been excellent
23:58has absolutely bossed the line out and he's been replaced by charles olivon
24:08who wins a 54th cap for france the former captain
24:13vahe gets a big cheer as he leaves the field
24:16so that inside shoulder out thank you
24:21good
24:22good
24:22good
24:22good
24:25good
24:27good
24:27good
24:27good
24:28good
24:28good
24:28good
24:28good
24:30good
24:30good
24:30good
24:30good
24:30good
24:31good
24:31good
24:31good
24:34good
24:34good
24:34good
24:34good
24:35good
24:35good
24:35good
24:36good
24:36The captain and hooker of Fiji.
24:38He's actually the leading tackler in the game with 14 to his name.
24:41Here comes Fiji trying to move the ball now.
24:45Many who came here tonight to the Groupama Stadium
24:47would have been expecting to see Fiji keep the ball in hand.
24:54Vola Vola kicks behind.
24:56That's a Sogbe who replies straight down the tram lines.
25:01That has bounced in field and then flicked in field just by Serely Mangala.
25:09That could have been another self-inflicted wound.
25:13It's been robbed away by Oliver.
25:16Here come France.
25:19Dupont rips it across to Gorg.
25:21Biel Biare was that forward to Morifana.
25:25France are in again.
25:27Try's been awarded that they might check that pass.
25:34Calvin Gorg.
25:38For now.
25:40Has the try.
25:42He just heard they're going to check it in the background.
25:46But Gorg just chasing up this game management piece.
25:50Just trying to overplay.
25:52Taking on Dupont.
25:53One of the best defensive readers.
25:55And also attacking player.
25:57Just look.
25:57Finds the space.
25:58Where's the opportunity?
25:59That's the forward pass they're going to be having a little look at.
26:02And Luku.
26:03Again.
26:04Just scanning.
26:05Aware of where the defenders are.
26:07Where the threat is.
26:08And then the inside ball to Gorg.
26:11I think it's actually the Morifana pass that they'll be looking at.
26:15Yes.
26:16Almost two passes to look at in that sequence.
26:21Shot clock is paused for now.
26:22Let me know if we need to go four more.
26:24And if we go again, we'll be here.
26:26You'll still get the full minute.
26:27Yeah.
26:28So time's off.
26:29No, no.
26:29No, yeah.
26:34Dico, the pass is not clear and obviously forward.
26:36He is head to the impact.
26:38So no.
26:39The try is good.
26:40Okay.
26:40Shot clock on.
26:41The try stands for Calvin Gorg.
26:46And it's his first for France.
26:51Maxime Lukul.
26:53Beautiful conversion from way out wide.
26:56And Gorg with the applause.
26:58Can you give me the new captain, please?
27:02Can you give me the new captain?
27:05Right?
27:06Just been seeing it all night from France.
27:08Whatever number on the back.
27:09Just had soft hands.
27:12Moving it right at the point of contact.
27:15It's an area they have been excellent in.
27:21But for Fiji.
27:24Kept them out for 20 minutes.
27:25And then a simple error.
27:27Overpaying in their 22.
27:29It's gifted France an opportunity.
27:30And taking seven points from it.
27:32And...
27:33Use it please.
27:35We're just through three quarter time here.
27:38Long time to go.
27:40And Ikanovedi has been replaced by Tongi Atama.
27:43In the hooker position for Fiji.
27:46Contested ball in the air.
27:48Flicked back by DuPont.
27:49It takes it on the bounce, and some heavy artillery coming down his channel as well.
27:55In a white shirt, but he managed to evade them.
28:00And the band starts up again, with France leading 33-3 in Lyon.
28:08Five tries now to the good.
28:13That second go at the exit was much better from Dupont.
28:20Gives him a bit of breathing space, but...
28:23There's the QR code once again for Fantasy Rugby.
28:26Please do get involved with you and your friends.
28:29There'll be some hot contenders on Fantasy 15 from this French side tonight.
28:36So far, with plenty of time to go as well, with a 30-point lead over Fiji.
28:41Good line-up ball off the top, though, is Vola Vola.
28:43The final touch is Vola Vola.
28:46The final touch is Vola.
28:51Vola Vola.
28:52New on着 and Havosi.
28:56New on recovers to New on streets.
28:59New on Le Grand high.
29:03TANAKAY VATA.
29:08TANAKAY VATA.
29:09Heavy double tackle coming in.
29:10Lomani, though, gets it away to Vainankolo.
29:14Gives it to his fellow winger, Rabu Talmanda.
29:19They pick and go.
29:21Vainankolo, you feel, just wants to get involved in the game.
29:26Hasn't really gone his way yet.
29:29Rabu Iwasa.
29:32Vola, vola.
29:35High cross-field kick.
29:37Being well chased.
29:39BLBRA and Masi competing in the air.
29:41But look at DuPont go.
29:43Inside to BLBRA.
29:46Here they go.
29:47Teo Atisoghbe.
29:55Classic counter-attacking rugby from France.
30:00Started by DuPont.
30:03Finished by Teo Atisoghbe.
30:08Quality finish.
30:10Bill Barré and Atisoghbe linking up in the end.
30:14The contestable there.
30:16Not making that tackle on DuPont was hugely costly.
30:20Kings the ball alive.
30:22Bill Barré just links up with Atisoghbe on the inside.
30:26Easy in the end.
30:28Again, quality work from DuPont.
30:35Well, you just felt it was a matter of time.
30:38Until one of those forays down the left edge from France was going to find an opening.
30:44And how often do we see it?
30:46DuPont first there.
30:48And then he sets BLBRA up beautifully.
30:52And Atisoghbe does the rest.
30:55A lot of players will just think, I'm going to kick it here.
30:58We're under pressure.
31:00But he stops for a beat.
31:01Has a little scan.
31:02Sees the opportunity.
31:05And delivers.
31:11Tom Stanifel.
31:12Tom Stanifel.
31:24He's in the center position.
31:29Dupont gets a bit of more room to box kick it away.
31:37Well taken from Mangala.
31:45Nordic Fiji.
31:48Hunuhoghe at this point.
31:50Volo.
31:50Wolo Jeff just shifted across for Hughes.
31:53High tackle from number 20.
31:56Stanifel I think, yep.
31:58The big Aussie, born in Canberra, in Australia.
32:02plays for the cast club in the top 14 he's 31 years of age he's made his test debut for
32:07France in July never give up hope
32:19yeah there's the old arm over the shoulder
32:24and he just gets his heart run I think he's been good since he's come on
32:28it's quite a workhorse isn't he gets around the park a lot
32:31referee's not going to miss it either with a mullet like that flying in the Leon sky is he
32:38unmistakably Tom Staniford
32:43here go Fiji attacking line out Tongi Otama
32:47he now plays for Newcastle Red Bulls hits his target here they come
32:52Hamborsi Hamborsi for Fiji reaches out and scores
32:59Vinaya Hamborsi
33:03has Fiji's first try of the night
33:06and that'll make them feel a lot better about things
33:12yeah brilliant try steps back on that inside of the scene between the line out and the first defender
33:18he's been so good for Fiji tonight just his direct carrying his physicality to get over the line
33:24still work to do with DuPont hanging on to him
33:26still work to do with DuPont hanging on to him
33:53Sending on to him
33:55looking
33:55looking
34:00looking
34:05movie
34:08Lomani
34:20decided
34:23Good clearance from Frank Lomani, such an experienced player.
34:30Northampton Saints, Melbourne Rebels.
34:33He's aligned. White, he's aligned.
34:36He was under no illusions about the task ahead of him
34:40in this November Nations Championship.
34:46The window was Jake White since taking the Fijian job.
34:51But they've got another chance here to attack France.
34:56Josefo Masi.
35:02Yato, he's added something.
35:04It's coming off the bench just for early Yato.
35:07Nathan Hughes has dropped it.
35:11Just when Fiji were looking lively once again.
35:17It's an amazing story, Nathan Hughes, isn't it?
35:2122 cats for England.
35:24Rugby World Cup, 35 years of age,
35:27and has returned to represent Fiji under World Rugby's eligibility rules.
35:32Born in Fiji.
35:39He's got through a lot of work tonight, hasn't he?
35:41He's been one of their key ball carriers.
35:44Just took his eye slightly off the ball then.
35:47And Jake White said during the week at the press conference,
35:49the reason he's backing a guy like Nathan Hughes is he feels you need a big ball-carrying number eight
35:56in Test Rugby.
35:58And he talks about players that he'd coach like Dwayne Vermeulen, for example, from South Africa,
36:03one of the all-time greats, who just that solid presence to punch holes and continue to carry,
36:11and get over the gain line is so important at the elite level.
36:16Nathan Hughes can certainly do a job for Fiji going forward.
36:19Here come France.
36:27Grandidier and Kanang.
36:33Francois across to Staniforth.
36:36Milwaukee's looming.
36:37Denied a try earlier with a knock-on.
36:38Dupont's going to kick pass here for Grandidier and Kanang,
36:42who takes it low to the ground.
36:43And then the clear-out from Atisogbe.
36:46It's gone forward off Fiji.
36:48So knock-on by White, then by Blue.
36:51It's a scrum down, it's a blue ball.
36:54Well, there's another piece of modern rugby four.
36:56You just kick pass to your winger on the run.
37:04Let's go.
37:06Yeah, Dupont just spotting it.
37:08Good skill from Grandidier to be able to get that low.
37:11We've talked about his aerial threat tonight,
37:13and how impressive he's been there.
37:15Let's go.
37:18Important to retain that possession.
37:23His captain for the Paris Olympics, Paul-Anne Riva,
37:26was here tonight delivering the match ball.
37:28Okay, probably not time now.
37:30Of course, Dupont and Grandidier and Kanang,
37:33part of that gold medal winning French team in Paris two years ago.
37:39Go.
37:40Bout!
37:43Bind!
37:46Set!
37:47So Dupont will have a penalty to work with here.
37:5317.
37:54Adelatif Benazi, one of the greats watching on.
38:03World rugby council member these days, administrator,
38:08one of the brilliant, brilliant players in his time.
38:15He would have been pleased with a lot of the work up front he's seen
38:19tonight from a lot of these French forwards as Malvaca.
38:24They've had a few change-ups in this area.
38:26They had ten forwards at one point.
38:28I think Nathan Hughes needs to lead the field here for an HIA.
38:32So time's off at the moment.
38:40You see the number of opportunities that France have created getting into the 22.
38:53He says he's fine, he's got to leave the field.
38:56The problem is they've run out of loose forwards and the captain, the hooker,
39:00Canavete is going to come on for him while Nathan Hughes gets checked.
39:10I think he was in that tackle there.
39:13The competition.
39:15Charles Olivon wins the line out.
39:17Coming around the corner.
39:18Malvaca, no looker.
39:19Indoors to Grand Didier.
39:20And Canang almost there.
39:25Clever stuff from France.
39:27Wocky picks and goes.
39:30Penalty advantage.
39:31They pick, they go.
39:33Inches away France.
39:36Dupont is there.
39:39Gives it to Poirot.
39:43Jefferson Poirot lays it back.
39:46They're queuing up here the forwards.
39:49Almost there.
39:52Olivon scores for France.
39:55Charles Olivon.
40:00The veteran has a 19th try in a French shirt.
40:10Again all started from the line out.
40:12The set piece has been great this afternoon for France.
40:15It's a little trick play.
40:17Malvaca on the open.
40:18Grand Didier does well to tidy it up.
40:20And then it's just the onslaught of the forwards.
40:23The pick and go work.
40:25Fiji infringing.
40:26Can't recover defensively.
40:29And Olivon.
40:31Just letting the referee know.
40:33I'll definitely put that one down.
40:41Perfect.
40:42Coming onto the field.
40:44Taking over the goal kicking duties.
40:45Maxime Lugu.
40:46And there's another one.
40:47So sweet.
40:49Off the tee.
40:50To convert the Olivon score.
41:00Always nice when the guy who wins the line out.
41:03Comes up with the try at the end of it.
41:06Charles Olivon.
41:07Former captain.
41:08This French team had his own injury issues.
41:11A little stalwart of Toulon.
41:15Originally Bayon.
41:17In the French leagues.
41:21There's Humbolsi going to work again.
41:23He has been everywhere tonight.
41:24The inside centre.
41:26You have to cut it out.
41:27Ndi Rava.
41:29Yato had cut out.
41:30Vola Vola.
41:32Vola Vola gets chopped to the floor.
41:34Not really what you described as a running flyhalt Vola Vola.
41:41Malu Vasa.
41:43Faragmania.
41:46Approaching 75 minutes.
41:47There is Yorsef O We україн.
41:49He is in the town where he plays his club rugby here in Lyon.
41:5647-10, the school, but Fiji, Aaron Grondidier got on the passing lane again.
42:03And Bossy double pumps it across to Vinon Kolo.
42:08In turn to Josefo Masi.
42:10Masi just thought about the pass and then lost the handle.
42:13His Cirelli N'Gala.
42:20Zeril Tongi Otama, born in Auckland.
42:25Signed a contract with the Newcastle Red Bulls in English Premiership.
42:30Turnover ball for France.
42:31Here's Gaetan, the replacement midfielder.
42:3623-year-old, one of the very exciting youngsters in French rugby.
42:41There's a big hit coming in from Petheli Yato.
42:46Dupont though, calmly, back to Luku.
42:48And Luku sends it high.
42:50And again Grondidier and Gorg chase it.
42:55And Ryan and Kolos somehow got the ball away as they both hit it.
43:01And Bossy with a lovely offload to Oravu Talmanda.
43:05And now Lomani.
43:06Here come the flying Fijians heading towards the try line.
43:11Celestino Oravu Talmanda.
43:16And that's a bit more of the Fijian flair we all came to see.
43:23It's one of those moments that you just don't expect it.
43:25Fiji going backwards.
43:27Going through multiple hands.
43:30And then an inch of space.
43:32And Bossy first.
43:33Gets a little bit of a line break.
43:34Lamani linking up.
43:35But so importantly,
43:38Ravu Talmanda stays on his feet.
43:40Gets in the support line.
43:46The braiding spot.
43:47Rassing 92 players in that tri-sequence there...
43:51And Bossy.
43:53Shot clock he has it no problem.
43:55But he adds it no problem.
43:58He's not the right in front.
44:00And it was him who started.
44:02He's been excellent.
44:03And that no looked at scootball.
44:07And the way of Adutamanda backed up here
44:10after giving the pass to Lomani. Yeah, if he doesn't work, double efforts there,
44:15Lomani's more than likely to get charged down.
44:18He's going to take it down.
44:33Fiji find such.
44:35Still a full 30.
44:37Still a full 30.
44:46Still a full 30.
44:48The first defeat to Wales England and Scotland in July.
44:52Ireland and Dublin next week for feature.
44:55Doesn't get any easier at all.
44:57Ireland with a big, big win over Argentina on Friday night.
45:04Northern Hemisphere groups shaping up nicely in this nation's championship.
45:10Of course, not only playing for the winner of the nation's championship trophy,
45:15but also the hemisphere shield, which is being contested across hemispheres.
45:21They've got a penalty here, France.
45:25Offside.
45:27Well, our host broadcaster here in France was awarded Antoine Dupont,
45:34the nation's championship player of the match.
45:41I mean, he's always very, very good.
45:43But there were some really good performances across the board from France tonight.
45:49Yeah, I think Mo Farno had a great game as well.
45:51But everything that's been great for France tonight has come through Antoine Dupont.
45:55His vision.
45:56His execution.
45:58When to put the tempo into game.
46:00When to take it out.
46:00The position.
46:03Oh, yeah.
46:03La Massez.
46:05Oh, yeah.
46:05The position.
46:06Oh, yeah.
46:07La Massez.
46:09Rings around.
46:11The stadium in Lyon.
46:13And there he is.
46:14Antoine.
46:16Dupont.
46:20the player of the match has a try in the match
46:26of course he does finishes off the great work from the pack
46:33again the lineup's been excellent for francis evening oloron delivers the ball initially
46:40fiji do a good job just to stall it slightly and then the spot here malvaka the little
46:47pick around the side and dupont reading him great way for france to finish be really frustrating
46:55for fiji to have given away that penalty to give france that opportunity
47:02it's almost a set play that i think you guys carry it forward and then we burst away down
47:08on the short side and dupont just can't keep him out of the action and max luke just keep
47:16banging over conversions from way out wide and france extend their lead the 54 points to
47:2717.
47:36vola vola with seconds left here
47:41in this test match there's one final restart and the clock is through the red and dupont
47:49will haul it into the stands and the locals love it
48:01france dominant
48:04on home turf as they so often are back on top of the northern hemisphere group
48:14and there it is in writing 17 points with two matches left to play before finals weekend
48:24at the end of the month at allian stadium in twickenham ireland stay in touch after their win over
48:33argentina last night but france with south africa next week that's the big one are looking very good
48:43in the nation's championship full-time score here in leon france 54 fiji 17.
48:51thank you sorry i couldn't give you the try
49:01there's a lovely conversation just picked up on the refs mic there with
49:11cameron walkie i think he knew it was his birthday he said sorry i didn't give you the score give
49:15you
49:16the try which is i think he should i think it should be in tempest the tmo that should be
49:20apologizing but he had a good night the lbra had his moment too setting up
49:25the lbra had his moment too setting up theo atasogbe for a score
49:28olivon came off the bench and and picked up a try as well there's vanicolo the the leon man
49:35who didn't really work out for him tonight fiji obviously with work to do but france
49:42looking pretty good rachel burford yeah i think you know why couldn't fiji really get into that
49:47game and i think you've got to credit the defense from from france they met fire with fire they
49:52handled the physicality and explosiveness of fiji and then they turned it on in attack as well
49:59the slick handling whatever number was on your back so good and so good see anton de point again back
50:06at his finest
50:12moafana i think also had a huge game tonight 17 carries as many as du pont but very different
50:20types of carries for moafana really helped get france on that front foot which gave them those
50:25attacking opportunities at times in the corners yeah i think you know france will be pleased with
50:29that result but there were a number of things that they'll go away with won't be pleased the number
50:34of handling errors that they had the house is absolutely kicking off here now
50:43yeah just the third test match france have played here beat england here in a cracking six nations
50:50game a couple of years ago italy in the in the world cup in 2023 you don't often get test
50:55matches
50:58they'll be back at the national stadium the stat de france in paris next weekend to take on the mighty
51:05springbox who of course knocked them out of the world cup their own world cup
51:11in 2023 that's all to look forward to tonight's all about celebrating the moments
51:18and we can get some reaction for you now we can go sideline where theo atisogbe is standing by to
51:27speak
51:27with robin off
51:31geo a large victory against the spiji inside the french team look very uh dynamic and very physical out
51:39there but very fast in the defense um what are your thoughts about this victory um
51:45c'était un match uh très dynamique uh beaucoup d'essay uh très très vif uh comment vous conseille de
51:52cette match on est très heureux du résultat final une victoire à cinq points c'est hyper important
51:56dans ce format de compétition voilà on s'attend à un match compliqué face à cette équipe de cette
52:01équipe de fiji on a essay de prendre par le bon bout c'est ce qu'on a réussi à
52:04faire et après on a
52:04voulu de continuer sur les standards très élevés ce qui nous permet de finir assez assez largement
52:09of okay i wanted to really get into this game and i don't provide play a really solid team like
52:15this and put in a really strong performance uh we knew it was going to be uh physical out there
52:20but
52:20we managed to to play the game that we wanted to uh to you uh it's just in question just
52:25going to ask
52:25you um just regarding romantic and the injury that must be a big blow but there's still so many
52:31quality players in this team uh avec le avec le blessure de romain tomac uh vous avez toujours
52:38de la qualité dans cette équipe de france on est on est hyper triste pour pour romain on espère que
52:43ce
52:43sera pas pas trop grave on va très vite aller prendre des nouvelles mais c'est sûr que c'est
52:47un coup
52:47dur pour nous parce que c'est un c'est un top joueur et donc voilà on va très vite
52:51aller à son chevet pour
52:52pour avoir des nouvelles
52:56you know obviously you know we want him as part of this team so hopefully the news will be uh
53:01positive as we go through thank you very much for this station
53:08he had a pretty good night did tio atasogbe in the 15 shirts really shot to prominence with france on
53:15the wing of course and uh now we can speak to the uh the nation's championship player of the match
53:25antoine dupont who does speak pretty good english actually let's see uh what robbie does with this
53:30one down to you robbie not with the french captain
53:39on trying um player of the match tonight solid performance from the french team uh tell us how
53:46you managed to produce such a really strong performance against the team who you may expect
53:50to play really solid rugby yeah we try to build our game we try to have a good occupation a
53:57good
53:57kicking game uh to keep the ball but it wasn't an easy task with this tough guy so i think
54:04we we
54:05started the game in a very good way and we were able to maintain that during all the game and
54:12what
54:12about 16 points that's four wins from four uh two more games to play and then maybe you know a
54:18final
54:19there's really good momentum within this french team talk about what makes this team work so well
54:25uh i think we've worked very well the last two weeks uh but the next week we know what uh
54:31what's
54:32what's coming for us so we have one week to prepare that just one day of training because we are
54:37just
54:37six days so it will be uh very difficult but it's very exciting to play this competition especially at
54:43home with this crowd one last word about roman i mean it's really sad and disappointing when you see a
54:48team mate not just to lose but france go off with an injury like this you got a couple of
54:53words for
54:53him yeah one more injured player in our team is very tough for for us but especially for romer we
55:00didn't have any news at the moment but uh i think it's pretty bad so i hope it will be
55:07good in a
55:08in a few in a few weeks a few months i don't know what uh we think about him listen
55:13have a have a good
55:14week we'll see you on friday in parry thank you yeah tight turnaround for dupont and france ahead of
55:22that big clash with the box up at the stad de france on friday night lost their last two against
55:29the
55:30south africans in the november window and uh that will be well worth watching they play argentina
55:39in uh in the final game of the regular season play in the nation's championship if you like before we
55:48get to the uh the finals weekend in london but that's all to come we can now hear from the
55:54losing
55:54captain captain tv to a canna very who's also with robbie
56:09so
56:21teresa talk us about this game talk us about what happened out there um not an easy first half we
56:26saw
56:27some flashes of the the brilliant fiji at the end of the game but what happened i think we started
56:32well uh but our discipline let us down we gave france early start we talked about not giving him
56:40an early start but i think our discipline let us down we got a yellow card and then you're on
56:44the back
56:44foot we'll go back to the drawing board two mistakes you made and uh get better for next week
56:50we know the quality of rugby that fiji play we know that you play with uh you know some of
56:56the the
56:56flamboyant style is this something that you know you you need to bring back a little bit more or are
57:02you looking for a more structured game i think we're looking for a balance between both knowing where to
57:08do what uh i think today we talked about uh exiting our zone but i think we played a bit
57:14too much
57:15we made mistakes and uh fans capitalized on it uh but as i said we'll go back to the drawing
57:21board we'll uh
57:22try get better for next week all the best against ireland in dublin thank you sir yeah it doesn't get
57:28any easier for a kind of eddie and fiji heading to take on the irish at the aviva in dublin
57:35well here
57:36are the standings with one game left to play here in round four england taking on australia tomorrow at
57:43valian stadium in london to round out this nation's championship weekend but it is france who are
57:49back on top of the northern hemisphere group they are two points clear of ireland who are staying in
57:55touch scotland dropped points after losing to new zealand today in the southern hemisphere group
58:01it is south africa and new zealand who are level on points it's the points differential
58:07plus 140 big win for south africa today over italy that keeps them on top australia though still
58:15with that one game left to play this weekend against england tomorrow well thanks for your
58:20company wherever you're watching on from and congratulations to france full-time score in
58:26lille france 54 fiji 17
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