France claimed a convincing 42-15 victory over Japan on Saturday, sealing their Nations Championship southern hemisphere campaign with a comfortable performance in the humid conditions of Tokyo.
The visitors crossed the line six times against a Japan outfit that refused to surrender but was ultimately outplayed by the Six Nations titleholders.
The result left France with two wins—against Australia and Japan—and one defeat to New Zealand from their three fixtures, while Japan recorded a victory over Italy alongside losses to Ireland and France.
“We know the World Cup is a year away and we had that in our minds,” said France captain Maxime Lucu.
“We’ve played three big matches against southern hemisphere teams and we have three more in November.
“We go back with two victories and we are happy.”
The match began in 28-degree heat and high humidity before more than 50,000 spectators at Japan’s National Stadium, with the expected rain failing to materialize.
Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lamothe each scored two tries for France, while Alexandre Roumat and Lucu registered the others.
“We knew that Japan would fight very hard and we were ready for them,” said France wing Theo Attissogbe.
“It was a tough battle but in the end we are happy to get our second win.”
Kippei Ishida and Sojiro Otsuka touched down in the first half for Japan.
“The finishers did really well for us,” said Japan coach Eddie Jones.
“The last 20 minutes, I think we had the best of the play.”
Both sides fielded entirely new front rows from their previous encounters, bracing for a brutal physical encounter.
France opened the scoring in the second minute from a lineout drive that powered over the Japan line for Lamothe to finish.
The French suffered a disruption when flanker Lenni Nouchi and lock Florian Verhaege departed for concussion assessments.
Japan capitalized with a penalty and a quick try, Ishida accelerating clear to score in the 15th minute.
Jalibert responded with a try for France, and Japan lock Harry Hockings was shown a yellow card soon after.
Roumat, featuring in his first international since February 2025, added another try four minutes later to put France firmly in command.
Lucu surged over for France’s fourth, but Otsuka gave Japan hope with a try four minutes before the break.
Jalibert struck again two minutes into the second half, and Lamothe completed his double less than ten minutes later.
Jalibert received a sin-bin for an illegal tackle midway through the second period.
The TMO denied Japan a further score when substitute Tiennan Costly crossed shortly after entering the field.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
