The French team delivered a strong performance against Fiji, winning 34-17 at the La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes. With three tries scored by Mauvaka, Atonio, and Macalou, the French team reassured their fans and demonstrated that they are gaining momentum.
On the other hand, the Fiji team appeared rather timid and lacked firepower at the beginning of the match to execute their game plan. This is when France quickly took the lead (three penalties by Melvyn Jaminet).
Here are the key takeaways from this victory:
- Improved Physical Performance: The French team managed the game better and didn’t experience a drop in performance as they did against Scotland a week ago.
- Standout Players: Melvyn Jaminet, Jonathan Danty, and Arthur Vincent performed exceptionally well. Danty made significant contributions in defense and rucks, making 15 tackles and winning 3 balls.
- Strong Replacements: Antoine Hastoy and Matthieu Jalibert performed well, filling in for Romain Ntamack. Their combination worked effectively and might be seen again in the World Cup.
- Scrums: The French scrums were a mix of successes and challenges, with clean ball and penalties won, but also some sanctions.
- Discipline: France conceded eleven penalties, an area that needs improvement before facing the All Blacks in September.
- Overall Team Play: France executed their game plan effectively, especially in the axis play. The forwards and props like Wardi and Atonio contributed well, and the defense was strong with an 89% tackle success rate.
This victory reflects the physical progress of the French team in their preparation.