Antoine Dupont marked his return to worldwide XVs with a dominant victory over Eddie Jones’ Japan to open France’s Autumn Nations Sequence.
Dupont, who received Olympic gold with the France sevens crew in July, was enjoying his first sport in worldwide XVs since his aspect’s devastating house World Cup quarter-final defeat by South Africa final October.
Having spent 2024 specializing in sevens, the previous World Participant of the Yr performed 66 minutes and appeared sharp all through, having a second-half attempt dominated out.
In a dominant first half, wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey crossed for 2 tries, with fellow 21-year-old Emilien Gailleton additionally scoring.
After flanker Alexandre Roumat grabbed the third attempt, returning star Dupont mixed with Peato Mauvaka to ship the hooker over.
Prop Jean-Baptiste Gros powered over for a rating, whereas La Rochelle’s Paul Boudehent crossed twice in a scientific efficiency.
Jones’ Japan, who lately had been hammered by New Zealand in Yokohama, confirmed large enchancment within the second interval and scored tries by means of fly-half Harumichi Tatekawa and substitute Tevita Tatafu.
Fabien Galthie’s aspect will now face New Zealand in a rematch of the opening sport of final autumn’s World Cup subsequent Saturday.
Elsewhere, Argentina supplied a well timed reminder to Friday’s opponents Eire that they can’t be taken evenly after a 50-18 victory over Italy in Udine.
Fly-half Tomas Albornoz, who performs his membership rugby in Italy at Benetton, scored 20 factors to information the Pumas to their greatest victory over their Six Nations opponents.
