Japan 15–42 France: match report & highlights

Full-time: Japan 15 – 42 France

France dominated from the opening moments, with Maxime Lamothe touching down in just the second minute to set the tone for a clinical attacking display. Japan fought back through Kippei Ishida's try, but France's relentless pressure proved too much as Matthieu Jalibert and Alexandre Roumat extended the visitors' advantage before halftime. The home side trailed 15–28 at the break, still very much in contention despite France's devastating early assault.

The second half saw France shift into another gear entirely. Maxime Lucu and Maxime Lamothe combined to add another try shortly after the restart, pushing the lead beyond reach. Japan's defence began to crumble under sustained French pressure, with Sojiro Otsuka's try offering brief respite but proving merely a consolation. Jalibert's second score sealed France's dominance, and despite late yellow cards for both Matthieu Jalibert and Marko Gazzotti, the visitors had already secured a comprehensive Nations Championship victory.

Key moments

52' 52' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Japan 15 – 42 France
51' 51' Try: Maxime Lamothe (France) — Japan 15 – 40 France
44' 44' Conversion: Romain Ntamack (France) — Japan 15 – 35 France
43' 43' Try: Matthieu Jalibert (France) — Japan 15 – 33 France
36' 36' Conversion: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 15 – 28 France
35' 35' Try: Sojiro Otsuka (Japan) — Japan 13 – 28 France
31' 31' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Japan 8 – 28 France
30' 30' Try: Maxime Lucu (France) — Japan 8 – 26 France
24' 24' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Japan 8 – 21 France
23' 23' Try: Alexandre Roumat (France) — Japan 8 – 19 France
20' 20' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Japan 8 – 14 France
19' 19' Try: Matthieu Jalibert (France) — Japan 8 – 12 France
15' 15' Try: Kippei Ishida (Japan) — Japan 8 – 7 France
10' 10' Penalty: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 3 – 7 France
3' 3' Conversion: Maxime Lucu (France) — Japan 0 – 7 France
2' 2' Try: Maxime Lamothe (France) — Japan 0 – 5 France

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Highlights

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