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00:01Bonsoir et bienvenue. Welcome to the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, where two of Test Rugby's great entertainers, France and Fiji,
00:10face off in round four of the nation's championship.
00:14It's been a busy weekend so far. Let's look back at the results. Ireland were too good for Argentina and
00:21Dublin last night.
00:23Springboks hammered Italy in Turin. All Blacks still unbeaten against Scotland at Murrayfield and Wales, it's Japan in Cardiff.
00:32Tomorrow, England hosts Australia at Allianz Stadium in London.
00:41Well, the race to the finals weekend at the end of the month is well and truly on.
00:47Two hemispheres battling out for global rugby supremacy.
00:51The big price, of course, the nation's championship title to be decided in London at the end of November.
00:57Now, France started the November window, top of the Northern Hemisphere Group.
01:01A bonus point win tonight. They'll go back on top.
01:04Fiji, down in the Southern Group, they come in in sixth place after three straight losses to Wales, England and
01:11Scotland in July.
01:13South Africa and New Zealand still leading the way out of the Southern Hemisphere nations.
01:20Cool but dry in Lyon tonight. The 60,000 capacity Groupama Stadium is a cauldron of red, white and blue.
01:32France last played a test here against England in the 2024 Six Nations, also at the World Cup in 23
01:38against Italy.
01:39They won both of those games, so they'll be hoping that's good muscle memory coming into this one.
01:48Headline for Fiji coming in, of course, the appointment of World Cup winning head coach Jake White.
01:54The South African told the media in the week this is the best Fijian squad they've ever assembled.
01:59So many players based here in France, of course, for top 14 clubs.
02:05France, well, they have injury issues coming in.
02:07They lead the Northern Sides after the July Test.
02:10One of the big favourites to reach the cross-hemisphere final in London in three weekends' time.
02:18Rachel Burford, World Cup winner with England alongside on commentary for this one.
02:22What an atmosphere here in Lyon tonight.
02:25Yeah, it's remarkable. It's been building for about three hours already.
02:28The flags are out. The pyrotechnics are going.
02:31The fans are certainly ready for this one.
03:00The players' time, they cannot believe this one.
03:01The players in Lyon tonight.
03:08No, they're just a company here.
03:15They are usually going.
03:17Let the players in reach here.
03:19This is why I've been building on Lyon.
03:22They're just servants in Ossie.
03:30Leon putting on a show, round four of the nation's championship.
03:39The home team, top of the pops, coming into this November series of games, looking to get through
03:49to the final at Allianz Stadium at Twickenham.
03:54In three weeks' time.
03:59Fiji, well, they really are rugby's troubadours of Test Match Rugby.
04:08Played all three of their July tests away from home in the UK, and the Flying Fijians are
04:14on the road again, looking to haul themselves off the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere
04:20group. They do come in off a win against Japan and a friendly in Tokyo last month.
04:26France, despite missing some big names, carry the tag of heavy favourites coming in.
04:33Only one loss to Fiji in their history, that eight years ago up in Paris.
04:38But Antoine Dupont, you can see him there, back on deck as captain tonight of France.
04:46He and Jefferson Poirot, the two players remaining from that game, who will be only two aware
04:53of the danger that Fiji can pose.
05:05A couple of milestones to note for Fiji this evening.
05:10Frank Lamani and Ben Volavola notching up 50 caps for their country.
05:17They lead out the Fijians, but it's Dupont at the front of the French line.
05:27Lyon boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere in the world, and what a feast
05:33of rugby we have in store tonight, here in France's second city.
05:39Round four of the nation's championship.
05:43Fiji, close on 70,000 in the house, in Lyon.
05:54Fiji, that win over Japan.
05:57Jake White's first in charge.
06:00But another tough month of Test Rugby awaits them.
06:04They go to Dublin next to Face Island.
06:06Then Italy to round out their November.
06:08France, six nation's champions bidding to be the inaugural nation's championship winners
06:15as well.
06:22Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you, please, if you can, now to lift you in honor of the
06:29national hymns, and first of all, the national hymns of Fiji.
06:32Dear friends, please rise if you can for the national anthem.
06:37We start with the national anthem of Fiji.
06:42The national anthem of Fiji t Vote for 2015.
06:50Amen.
07:09The national anthem of Fiji t
08:00Just after 8am on the Fijian Islands, Bula, it's great to have your company, wherever
08:06you're watching on from now, it's time for La Marseillaise.
08:10La Marseillaise!
08:14La Marseillaise!
08:37La Marseillaise!
08:40La Marseillaise!
08:52La Marseillaise!
08:56La Marseillaise!
09:12La Marseillaise!
09:16One of the great rugby anthems.
09:18Despite some social unrest across the country in recent weeks, including here in Lyon, the
09:24patriotism is never in question.
09:26La Marseillaise is sung with real verve and gusto.
09:30It never disappoints.
09:32And neither does this, the Thimbi, Fiji's cultural challenge.
09:41A proud moment for so many of these Fijian players who play their club rugby in France.
09:46Not least, Josefo Massi and Jutta Vanangolo, who play in the top 14 here in Lyon.
09:57Not least, Josefo Massi and Jutta Vanangolo, who play their club rugby in France.
10:28The battle cry has been laid down by Fiji in Lyon.
10:36Well, Fabian Gaultier is with an out some big names like Jaliver, Ramos, Jegu and Jelange.
10:43But in his sixth year as head coach of this team, he still picks a very quality team.
10:47Bordeaux-Begla tight head Sapili Faletier anchors the scrum.
10:51Lyon's Mikel Guillard in the second row with Florian Verhaegue.
10:55Francois Cross, usually a flanker, plays at number eight.
10:59Clubmates Dupont and Interback back together in Bleu for the first time in 20 months.
11:05Moa Fanta and Gorg in the midfield.
11:07BLBRA one to watch on the wing.
11:11Ten of the Fiji starting 15 play their club rugby in France.
11:15Ikanaberi captains the team at Hooker.
11:1735-year-old number eight, Nathan Hughes, handed a debut for the country of his birth, Fiji.
11:24After having previously played 22 tests for England.
11:26Peter Gasso Akula, formerly a two-test all-black.
11:30A late change at ten.
11:32Vilemoni Bottitu is in for Rambitu at fly-half.
11:36Josefo and Vanakolo, part of an electric outside-back contingent.
11:43Josefo and Esteban Capilla, former seven-star, a potential debutant for France tonight.
11:50Lomani.
11:51Yeah, we need to find out what's going on.
11:52And Volo Volo stand to play their 50th test matches for France.
11:58Okay, great. Thanks. You're going to be intermittent.
12:00That's where you're going to go.
12:02That's okay. There'll be a countdown.
12:04Well, one of the talk, Rachel, coming in has been about some of the players missing,
12:08but this is still a quality French side.
12:10Yeah, everywhere you look across from the pack, into the back line as well.
12:15Intermac and DuPont will be pulling the strings tonight.
12:18They've got plenty of experience as that partnership.
12:21Geltier spoke about how important their role will be this evening.
12:26Yeah, plenty of players out, but still an absolute world-class quarter-side out tonight.
12:32Carl Dixon from England.
12:34The referees' 32nd test match, supported by Damien Schneider and Katsuki Farusi.
12:39The TMO Ian Tempest.
12:42The foul play review official is Leo Colgan.
12:51France, Fiji in Lyon.
12:54Round four of the nation's championship.
12:56French flair, Fijian flair.
12:58Yeah, this could be fun.
13:00That starts with an unforced error from the fly-half Roman Ensimak.
13:09Leveling his dad Emil with 46 test matches.
13:13And shaking their head early, disappointed with that beginning.
13:16Yeah, you don't want to start like that, do you?
13:19But knowing the quality of the man that he is, he'll just brush that one off.
13:23Get a first look very early at this scrum and the set piece.
13:28He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:30He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:31He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:35He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:39He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:40He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:42He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:44He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:46He's such a platform for both of these sides tonight.
13:46He's such a platform for both of these sides.
13:47He's such a platform for both of these sides.
13:49He's such a platform for both of these sides.
13:51He's such a platform for both of these sides.
13:53He's such a platform for both sides.
13:57He's such a platform for both sides.
14:00France up front, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Maxime Lamotte and his Bordeaux-Bergla team mate Sipili Faletier.
14:15Simeone Kurovalu in the scrum half position for France, that late change with
14:21Villamoni Mbottitou coming in at fly half, but here's Vinyana Habosi and an early carry up over the France halfway
14:33line.
14:34There's Nathan Hughes with his first touch on his debut test match for Fiji, 35 years of age,
14:41an emotional jersey presentation yesterday for Hughes, having previously played those 22 test matches for England.
14:51Peter Gasso Akula plays for Clermont-Averne here in France.
14:55Mbottitou puts it through the hands to Hughes again, double tackle on him now with Racing 92 in Paris.
15:04Slow ball for Fiji but maintaining possession here.
15:10Ball retention so important for Fiji tonight.
15:17Kurovalu recently signed with the Van Club, also in the top 14 with the box kick.
15:23Everyone let that bounce and Hughes is onto it. It's been knocked on by France and a big opportunity
15:28here for Fiji as Nassila Silla runs it into the French 22. 22 entries were a problem for Fiji in
15:37July,
15:38but here's a kick pass in the direction of Rabu Talmanda from Mbottitou.
15:44And it's gone out over the sideline.
15:46It's a knock-on, advantage is over.
15:48Yeah, just a bit standing off there. You don't want to let that ball bounce, especially with Fiji chasing hard
15:53on their kick chase,
15:54but really bright start from Fiji. Great solid scrum platform initially that got them in their motion into attack.
16:00You felt that France were doing really well to contain them, force that kick, but then
16:06Atisogbe not getting up to compete.
16:11Fiji pounced all over it.
16:13Fiji's line out was one of the best in the competition in July.
16:16France had a few problems in that area, but the first one to Cameron Wocke at the back
16:21hits its target. Here's Dupont.
16:29And the penalty goes against Fiji, an easy exit here for France.
16:38First high kick from Fiji, Teo Atisogbe just taking his half a ball, usually a winger,
16:42playing at fullback, not for the first time tonight, but maybe that's an area that Fiji have looked at.
16:47If you're on that wrong side, you can't be in a full position, you must be put.
16:51I tried, I actually touched you twice.
16:54It's okay.
16:55Explanation from Carl Dixon, the referee, to Fiji for that penalty.
17:01Maxime Lamont goes to the back to Wocke again.
17:04He has his 28th birthday today, Wocke.
17:06That one's not straight, though, contested by Fiji.
17:10So they'll get the ball back here.
17:12The flying Fijians and a good opportunity to launch an attack off this set piece.
17:18A rather incredulous look on the face of Maxime Lamont.
17:23Two-time Champions Cup winner with Bordeaux Bergler.
17:26Two-time Champions Cup winner with Bordeaux Bergler.
17:29I think he was questioning the timing of that jump from Fiji,
17:32whether it was a real contest or not.
17:36It's one of those more recent regulations.
17:38If you don't contest and it's not completely straight, they'll let it go.
17:42But if you throw someone up there, it has to be straight down the middle.
17:44Long conversation here going on between Kurovali and Botitu.
17:50A scrum half and a fly half, and he's sending some messages, Botitu.
17:58To the rest of his back line.
18:01Steady scrum for Fiji.
18:03Could have volleyed, but the free kick.
18:08No hook is the call.
18:10So two technical decisions going against Fiji early,
18:13and here come France, and the Lyon crowd finds its voice for the first time
18:18as Calvin Gorg is held up in that contact.
18:23Fiji trying to create them all.
18:24He gets his knees to the ground, and they all have to let go.
18:32Gary there from Faletia.
18:33Change of direction from Dupont.
18:36Quick hands from Ati Sobe to Moifana.
18:42And a chance for Fiji here on the counter.
18:45Bit of room to move as well, but they're going to kick.
18:47Up towards the halfway line.
18:49Here's Aaron Grandidier in Canang, the Olympic gold medalist in sevenths for France.
18:54And now Louis Biel, Biarré, an absolute superstar of French rugby.
19:00You heard the crowd come to life when he touched the ball for the first time.
19:04Quick hands from Lamotte.
19:05It goes forward, though.
19:07It was intended for Wocky.
19:10That was unfortunate.
19:11You can see what he's trying to do.
19:12Just tap it on because he knew he had a lot of pressure.
19:19Just heard the crowd roar.
19:21Get behind Bilberé.
19:23Great kick chase from Fiji being organised.
19:25Talked about that this week.
19:28Elements that Jake White want to bring into this team.
19:30Making sure that they're organised, especially on that kick chase.
19:32I need you to hook the ball.
19:36Let's go, please.
19:37Well, Louis Biel, Biarré, 27 caps, 29 tries.
19:43He has been prolific.
19:51He's got to be sure that they hook on this one.
19:53It was an easy free kick to give away.
19:59Scrum's been good from Fiji so far.
20:02Solid platform for them to play off.
20:06The straight back of Lu Tangi again on that tight head side.
20:10This one's edged forward.
20:14Bocsi two and on a sharp line.
20:16Straight through the middle and offloading to Harbosi.
20:20In the 12th shirt.
20:22Harbosi normally a winger.
20:24Real pace across this Fijian back line.
20:28Another good carry.
20:30Here's Kurovali again.
20:32And the captain, Ikanavati.
20:37Kurovali finds Vove Vove.
20:41Ikanavati.
20:42Just give me the mark, please.
20:44Ikanavati.
20:46France offside.
20:48Offside.
20:49Moffana, just creeping early.
20:52Nice little play, that little break in the midfield.
20:57So pretty much straight in front of the post, although,
21:03He's going to kick to the sideline here, perhaps doesn't get as much on it, there is Jake White, of
21:14course won the 2007 World Cup here in France with South Africa, coached around the world, including Montpellier here in
21:21France in the top 14, knows the French game very well indeed, and spoke during the week about just how
21:28energized and
21:31Honoured he is to be back on the international stage, running this Fiji side, that's being turned over at the
21:37line-up by Wocky, great work in the air, quick hands from Intermach, now Gorg and Kenang, decides to kick
21:47up field with Mata Sogbe chasing, and running it back for Fiji's Rabu Talmanda, he's going to chase his own
21:56kick, but BLBRA gets there first, gives it to Dupont,
22:02Intermach, deep high kick, more room to move here, for Fiji, but they're going to reply, Botitu kicking to Mata
22:11Sogbe, not much pressure on him, took that easily, kicks high for himself, contests in the air and brings it
22:17down, but then stripped,
22:21And Vanangolo knocks it back for himself,
22:25Vanangolo playing in his Club City Leon here tonight, but his kick's been charged down,
22:31Good work from Francois Cross, but Fiji have it back, changes of possession there, for both sides,
22:41Changes of possession there, for both sides, and could have volleyed, boxes again, this will be contested in the air
22:48again, but Grondidier, and Kenang brings it down,
22:52One side, for both sides, for both sides, for both sides, for both sides, for both sides, on the floor,
22:57Tramach um to the back, Bl BLBRA,
23:03Tawarias um to the back, Bl BLBRA,
23:04And Guillaume Le 66, again to the back, BlBRA the ballbada by love for each other,
23:10And Guillaume Le 66, again to the back
23:11Another Leon now. Guillaume Le 66, again to the back, Pardon well.
23:15North demasiants, and the back, Heroesimo game.
23:20Counsel motivo game.
23:20line, France in possession, that's a Sogbe, moving the ball quickly, Aaron Grandidier
23:26and Kanang trying to get on the outside of Vijn and Kolo, two Olympic gold medalists
23:31going up against each other there, Vijn and Kolo won it with Fiji in Tokyo, Grandidier
23:39and Kanang, of course, up in Paris a couple of years ago, you hear the crowd whenever
23:46BLBRA gets anywhere near it. Aaron O'Neill started attacking down this left-hand side,
23:52really stretched Fiji defensively, got quite narrow and tight and then releasing the ball
23:57to the outside, Grandidier trying to keep the ball in, it's good scramble defence from Fiji.
24:03Okay, I've asked Fiji who wants to step out, Grand step out.
24:11He's fine now, it's okay.
24:12He's playing for the Miye Honda Heat in Japan, throws this line out, juggled,
24:17but they got it back to Kurovali just about.
24:22Nathan Hughes throwing Habosi forward into contact there, good work from the number eight
24:28to help out his inside centre, here's what I see.
24:32Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:38Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:40Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:43Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:44Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:46Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:46Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:48Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:49Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:50Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:53Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:53Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:55Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
24:59Big left foot kick down to Grandidier.
25:07They spotted the opportunity down that short side on a couple of occasions.
25:11Just that last pass, just need to give yourself one step,
25:14a little bit more depth, but look right at the line,
25:17drawing in the defenders.
25:18You know that Fiji come hunting defensively.
25:24That'd be frustrating.
25:25A number of errors for France, but also for Fiji.
25:55Fiji.
25:57A number of errors for Fiji tonight, but an attacking scrum for Fiji once again.
26:03Still no score in Lille.
26:06And another free kick for no hook.
26:09And two points tapped and gone quickly.
26:12And Tamak Gogh.
26:15He's got Atasogbe to his right, but he's found Vanecolo instead.
26:24Well, Fiji have got to sort out the hooking at the scrum.
26:28It looks pretty stable, but you've got to actively hook the ball.
26:33Otherwise, it's free kick time every time.
26:35Botitu.
26:39Moe Fana.
26:41Moe Fana runs at the Fijian line, and he bumps off Botitu.
26:49France into the Fijian 22.
26:55Dupont moves it to the left.
26:57Got the call from Ntamak.
26:58Moe Fana hits and spins.
27:01Big tackle from Botitu again.
27:04Dupont's been taken out by Kurovali.
27:06Penalty advantage, France.
27:09Here goes Valatia, the tight head.
27:14Dupont.
27:15Kick pass across field for Atasogbe.
27:18Can't quite bring it down, but he gets it on the bounce.
27:20The fullback.
27:21Still alive for France if they can keep it in field.
27:26Aaron Grandinier is there.
27:29Guillard.
27:30The Lille man.
27:31And now the loose head who scores.
27:33Jean-Baptiste Gros.
27:37France strike first in Lyon.
27:43Jean-Baptiste Gros with his second test try for France.
27:50So much build up into that.
27:52Some of the big carries for Moe Fana down that left-hand side.
27:57And then Anton Dupont again just setting the tempo.
28:01Playing quickly right away from the rucks, but he's scanning in his vision.
28:05Knew that he was under penalty advantage, so he could take the free hit,
28:08but most of the time he's on the money with those.
28:12And then it's just a recycling of the forwards, the quick thinking.
28:16And then Grohl gets the first try for France.
28:23Roman Enzimac, 162 points in test rugby.
28:29Has missed with his first conversion.
28:34Disgusted with himself with that and throws the tee away, but...
28:38Jean-Baptiste Gros, good finish, good body position from the Toulon Mount.
28:45There's a lovely little tip as well from G.
28:47Yart.
28:47Just recognising where that pressure was.
28:49Little tip to...
28:52So a great quote from him during the week.
28:54He said he preferred 10 scrums in a row than answer questions from journalists.
28:59Well, they might be asking him about his try tonight after the game.
29:05France...
29:07lead it by five.
29:11Bouticou goes long off the restart.
29:17So Fiji hanging in there for 15 minutes, but those free kicks at the scrum,
29:24allowing France to get more field position and possession,
29:32and ultimately they came away with the try, not least
29:36through the speculative vision of this man, Antoine Dupont.
29:41He kicks it high. Aaron Grandidier contests in the warm-up.
29:45He was practicing that.
29:48His aerial gain.
29:50One of the reasons he's kept that wing shirt for France
29:56with so much competition in that area.
29:59Salawa, the open side for Fiji, into contact.
30:02Hands away now, thank you. Collateral.
30:06And there's Nathan Hughes.
30:08Gets in behind the breakdown, then offloads over the top,
30:10basketball-style, but Wocky's there.
30:13He's knocked it on, though.
30:14It's OK, no problem. That's OK.
30:17Nathan Hughes just got a little bit isolated there and tried the risky pass.
30:22The problem you're having is he's trying to put it onto your foot,
30:25he's missing it, and he's putting it onto your foot.
30:28I'm telling him to hit my leg.
30:29Not much. So that's the problem. He's missing it.
30:32Good to do about that.
30:33That's the problem. OK.
30:35The next one to do, the next one's the penalty.
30:38Let's go! Let's go!
30:39You just heard Kyle Dixon there giving it.
30:41You don't need to at all.
30:41I know any other warning about the hooking in the scrum.
30:44These are the basic things that Jake White wants to move out of the game.
30:46So there you go, Fantasy Rugby.
30:48There you go, Rachel, get involved in that.
30:50Get your phone out.
30:51QR code.
30:52So if your fantasy team get involved throughout this tournament,
30:55it's not too late.
30:57It's a former team in the nation's championship fantasy rugby.
31:05I wonder who the most expensive player is at the moment.
31:10Who's your money on?
31:13Hugo Keenum had a hat-trick for Ireland against Argentina on
31:19Friday night.
31:20He's got to be up there.
31:22Better scrum from Fiji with a hook.
31:25Change of direction from Kurovali Rayasi into the line from
31:29full-back.
31:29He moved away, he moved away.
31:32Josefo Masi to Peter Gassoakula, once and all back.
31:37Now a flying Fijian, the captain Ikanaviri.
31:42Bounce ball to Masi. Masi bounces off BLBRA, but Gorg had a hold of him.
31:51But Oni Mawai went through 50 caps in July for Fiji.
31:57That's a good carry.
32:00Bit of go-fall for Fiji. Can they make something on it?
32:03Short ball from Rayasi.
32:05Masi La Silla working the short side now.
32:08But he's just going to kick ricochets off a Frenchman.
32:10Into the hands of Nathan Hughes.
32:16Eight phases here for Fiji.
32:18Fiji.
32:18Looking for their first points of the night.
32:23Fiji.
32:25Fiji.
32:25Fiji.
32:27Fiji.
32:28Fiji.
32:28Fiji.
32:29Fiji.
32:30Fiji.
32:32Fiji.
32:34Fiji.
32:35Fiji.
32:36Fiji.
32:37Fiji.
32:39Fiji.
32:45Fiji.
32:49Fici.
32:51one of the Fijian Drua players in this flying Fijian side
32:57now to Super Rugby Pacific
32:59Kota Volley's going to kick in the front half
33:04looking to contest it but BLBRA brings it down
33:07and almost gets away
33:12Fiji just seemingly running out of a bit of patience there
33:16multiple phase rugby but lost ground
33:19and forced to kick here's Intermach
33:23puts it across the face
33:26Moetfana out to Sogbe Grand Didier can anchor right feet from the winger
33:31got inside Marseille no problem at all
33:34Lamotte
33:37Advantage France Dupont
33:41Intermach delays the ball to
33:45yard but they got in each other's way so they'll go back for the offside
33:53some lovely slick hands again from France down that right hand side
33:58really important tackle from Nassila Silla the number five for Fiji on Bill Baret
34:03work rake to get across and stop that man from going for full flight
34:09still finding themselves a big passage of play Fiji with lots of possession but not going forward
34:15forces them to kick the ball here's another look at the tackle
34:20just the speed of hands soft and subtle square at the line
34:29but the offside has given France another opportunity here
34:33dangerous position again
34:36brought down by Verhaegue in the middle of the line out and here comes the French drive
34:40towards the try line and the try is given
34:53it's Paul Baudillon who is up last
35:00dynamic devastating on the line out drive France
35:05just shows how deadly they can be they get into motion so quickly as soon as the jump is down
35:12and Fiji haven't got a chance bodies up right bodies all over the place
35:16and just the power of the pack working together
35:18a bit of claret dripping from the eye of Nathan Hughes as Paul Baudillon
35:35comes over for his sixth test try
35:53to be down for obstruction here
35:57to be down for obstruction here
36:12It's always good to see that kind of attitude on the back of a score.
36:16Want to get after the ball.
36:18It's interesting that they opted for the free points here instead of the line out like in the first quarter.
36:26Could have volleyed during the goal kicking for Fiji tonight, the scrum half.
36:35Interestingly, as I say, taking the opportunity to pick up their first points of the match.
36:39You just feel they need to get a foothold into the game.
36:46This confirmation conversion was successful.
36:5012-0 was scored in France.
36:5213-0 was scored in France.
37:04Got a volley.
37:07Gets Fiji on the board in Lyon.
37:13The yellow card as well after all of that, I saw it, Nasila Sila.
37:18So Fiji down a 14.
37:22That's probably what contributed to that decision, man in the bin,
37:26one of your line-out jumpers, but also they've had a lot of possession.
37:30Not managed to come away, we've turned that into pressure and points,
37:33so had a shot to take three and they've done that.
37:37That's been knocked on by Grotirio, maybe it hasn't.
37:40Looked like he got his hand up and knocked it forward, but we play on.
37:44Jean-Baptiste Gros.
37:49Dupont, Moefana, that's a Sogbe into the line.
37:52Untemak over to BLBRA, checks in off the wing.
37:57Good quick ball for Dupont to work with, Vahey.
38:01Tackled by Ikanavere.
38:04Turnover ball for Fiji.
38:09Great steal from the open side, Kitioni Salawa.
38:16He's been such a weapon for Fiji over the breakdown turnovers.
38:21He got four in the opening rounds in July.
38:24Just so physical.
38:26Often see him making double efforts.
38:27Hits the tackle, gets back to his feet and gets in over on the ball.
38:30Wins an important penalty there for Fiji.
38:34Yeah, Kitioni Salawa is a foundation player of the Fiji and Drua.
38:39He has a foundation player's father
38:39His father actually played 15 and sevens for Fiji.
38:44He has a foundation player of theenaimic Lord.
38:53Your father actually played 15 and sevens.
38:54His son grandfather previously played 15 and sevens,
38:55he has aization of 24 from Fiji, pedals.
39:08JoonI Signe.
39:09go long all the way over the top to her bossy good line-out play that no way
39:20good quick hands from soakula change of direction now the second row of vovevove
39:29he lays it back for curavoli once more botti to inside ball to marsi referee right on the
39:36spot and he's called it forward well it was definitely flat
39:43he's very well positioned it was carl dixon so that's unfortunate for fiji
39:49yeah a couple of really good phases in that just getting a bit more go for it hand bossy
39:5412 for fiji there's a lot of touches already tonight already displaying his physicality
40:11so fiji packing down here with seven forwards
40:17nassila sila in the sinbin
40:24so
40:34dupont bursts away
40:37enter mac to go a bit of footwork from the center
40:42Lovely, skillful runner is Calvin Gorg.
40:48Mikael Ghia.
40:51DuPont to Intermac once more.
40:54Wocky.
40:56That's Sogbe trying to flick it out the back.
40:59BLB already picks it up off the bounce, and now Moefana.
41:02Moefana gets away from the first tackle, almost a second.
41:05Still driving the legs is Joram Moefana.
41:11Relatively experienced player.
41:13His 43rd cap tonight in this back line for France,
41:15with some relatively fledgling players in it.
41:19Picking up and going again here is Paul Boudel.
41:24And Vahague now.
41:27Guillard pops it up to DuPont.
41:31France attacking the right edge once again.
41:37Parity of Arnish France.
41:38Free hit for DuPont.
41:40Although no.
41:42It's been reversed.
41:44Sorry, it would have been an old roller against White,
41:47but the neck roll, neck roll.
41:50You heard the words from the referee, neck roll.
41:53Is the call.
41:55So that penalty's been reversed.
41:56Crowd don't like it.
41:59Bit of attention here for Arnish Malwai.
42:12But France again showing when they launch into action.
42:17DuPont and Intermac just get such pace on the game.
42:21They got so many attacking threats out wide.
42:27Arnish Malwai played his 50th test against Scotland.
42:31Only the 10th Fijian to do that.
42:33A couple of Weejins on the bench.
42:35Lamani and Vola.
42:36Vola will join in at 50.
42:37Vola will join in at 50.
42:39As and when they take the field later.
42:49Vola will join in at 50.
42:49So let's see what I said.
42:52Concentrates.
42:54and doesn't find touch.
42:57That's as Sogbe brings it down.
42:58He went for distance.
42:59Orayati, too much distance.
43:02And here come France again.
43:07Boudéon, Untemac, BLBRA.
43:10Oh, lovely swerve from BLBRA.
43:14The hands of Wauke to Moifana.
43:20Boudéon again.
43:22Untemac.
43:23Numbers on the right if they can move it.
43:25Vaheg finds Valatea.
43:28He's hammered to the floor, but Dupont gets it away quickly.
43:32It's been intercepted by Salesi Rayasi.
43:35The chase is on.
43:36Aaron Grandinier ran him down.
43:40Rayasi kicked it, and it went out on the full.
43:44Well, that's seven's pace right there.
43:47France are gone quick here.
43:50Untemac grabs it forward.
43:54And he finds touch eventually.
43:59Some big moments.
44:02Obviously not making touch on that penalty from the neck roll.
44:06And this simple missed tackle, the little step on the inside makes it look so effortless.
44:11But the handling ability right at the line.
44:14But this lovely pick-off.
44:16They were numbers up.
44:17It's one of those decisions you've got to make.
44:21As the edge defender, you know you've got numbers on you.
44:25And he takes the risk and got the reward.
44:30Solid line-out ball for Vaheg in the middle again.
44:36Lamott has it under control.
44:39Dupont looming.
44:41Allows the hooker just to drive it forward from the back a bit more.
44:45Just so calm.
44:47Dupont surveying his options.
44:49More with Fahna.
44:50And Tamak.
44:51Long ball to the LBR.
44:54Hit hard this time by Masi.
44:56Put him on his backside.
44:59Dominant tackles.
45:00For Fiji.
45:02Lamott.
45:07Dupont.
45:09And Tamak.
45:10Double pumps it.
45:11And a big hit comes in from Malwa.
45:14That was on Guillard.
45:16But France get it away again.
45:17Moe Fahna flicked on by Gorb.
45:19Here's Wauki.
45:21Grand Zidia in Canang.
45:25Dupont so casual.
45:27Vaheg started it all with his line-out take.
45:35Lamott.
45:36Left foot step from the hooker.
45:38On his opposite number.
45:40Hikana Vedi.
45:41Alive here for France.
45:42Moe Fahna.
45:44Good tackle for Masi again.
45:46Two and two for Masi.
45:50Yeah.
45:53Good chop tackle again.
45:54That time Hikana Vedi.
45:56Vaheg is having a purple patch for France.
46:02Crowd getting in behind Leblert.
46:07Wauki.
46:09Held up by Van and Koller.
46:14Dupont thought about the open side.
46:16Goes short to and Tamak.
46:17Dummy and Tamak.
46:19Almost there.
46:21Great feet from the fly half.
46:23Dupont.
46:24Picks it out of the breakdown.
46:27Falatia and the tight head.
46:34Falatia has France's third.
46:40Both French props getting tries in this opening half.
46:45You can just feel it coming from France.
46:47Phase after phase.
46:50This was a great tackle from Masi.
46:53It's just the speed of ball.
46:56Shots going in both sides.
46:58But the simple thing's done really well.
47:00Just a little show and go there from Intermatt.
47:02Gets them right within reaching distance.
47:04And then it's that speed of ball playing away from the breakdown.
47:10Falatia drops his body height.
47:13Route 1 goes over 2 for Giants.
47:15Very soon.
47:23So the shot clock's clicking down to 10 here.
47:27And Calvin Gorg is going to take the conversion.
47:30Because Roman Intermatt is getting attention.
47:33Down by the trial line.
47:35Gorg kicks it to add the extra two.
47:37But the bigger concern here is that.
47:41That is a picture.
47:43That Fabien Gaultier and French fans will not like the look of.
47:48Roman Intermatt.
47:49He spent so much time out of the game with injury.
47:52He's got his arm in a sling and he's leaving the field.
48:05Maxine Luku's come on.
48:07It's going to be interesting whether or not DuPont goes to 10.
48:12Yeah, they don't have an out and out 10 on the bench.
48:16And look who the captain France in the July test.
48:19Such an accomplished player, of course, in his own right.
48:23It looks like he's in the pocket here with DuPont remaining in the scrum half position.
48:27With Roman Intermatt having left the field with what looks like a pretty serious arm injury.
48:33DuPont kicks high.
48:39Rayassi takes a clean and sets off.
48:43Plays for Borda Begla, Champions Cup winner.
48:47Short ball between the two Fijian props.
48:49That was nice, but that pass left a bit to be desired.
48:52Picked up by Salawa.
48:54Good carry in the end from him up to halfway.
48:58Rabu Talmanda still going.
49:01Got through the tackle of Wokki.
49:04Don't push it into him.
49:05No, no.
49:06New ball landed on him.
49:08Kuruvali.
49:09Bautitu across the face again.
49:11The tackle comes in from Francois Cross.
49:14It's carried forward by Nathan Hughes.
49:19Kuruvali works the short side.
49:21It's another bounce ball to Rabu Talmanda.
49:23But he sees a bit of space, but then loses the handle in contact as Wokki made the tackle.
49:29And now DuPont has seen a bit of space, but he's picked it out.
49:33They'll go back for the knock-on.
49:34Now concern for Cameron Wokki, who's getting attention.
49:42Just DuPont, everything through tempo is coming through him, isn't it?
49:46We've seen him quick tap from the free kicks.
49:50Encouraged a quick line out earlier, and then same again there.
49:53Here's another look at the shoulder or his elbow.
49:58Yeah, I think it was the left, wasn't it, that was in the sling,
50:01and I think it was the initial contact with the floor,
50:03and then the pain hits moments afterwards.
50:10And that is a sad sight.
50:12They've obviously got an injury to much as Jalbert as well at the moment.
50:17But France, Jalbert, who was such a star in the July test,
50:21he alongside Lukku, looks like Wokki's okay.
50:24That'll please Fabien Gaultier.
50:28Oh, man, not going into the tackle, DuPont.
50:41The round of La Marseillaise rings around the Ruppalma Stadium here in Lyon.
50:46With France, one try away from the tri-bonus points.
50:56And Maxime Lucu, in the fly-half position, awaits this scrum for Dupont to feed it.
51:09Here's the ball!
51:10Francois Cross at the back of his scrum, gets it away to Dupont.
51:13Cuts out Lucu, goes straight to Moifana.
51:16And now Calvin Gorg, pops it up to Lucu.
51:21Now BLBRA, he's found his way over to the right-hand side, kicks deep over the head of Rayassi.
51:27Almost a 50-22.
51:29Rayassi responds.
51:32Doesn't find touch. Here's Theo Atisogbe.
51:35Still just 21 years of age, the man from Poe.
51:39Dupont, flat pass to Aaron Grandidier in Kanang.
51:42He's going to chip over the top for Atisogbe, but Botticu took the mark.
51:47Or did he? He didn't take it.
51:49And there's the try bonus point for France.
51:54Aaron Grandidier in Kanang has his third test try in his third international.
52:05Just quality play. You saw Dupont suddenly scanning, looking up.
52:09Where's there an opportunity? Where's the space?
52:12Grandidier, little tip over.
52:14Fiji, they're confessing that they've called the mark.
52:20But what a pick up again. Grandidier chasing his own kick.
52:23Yep. Just hold. Just hold.
52:26Well, I think he did call it. He just didn't catch it first.
52:30Well, they might check this. They have in the background.
52:33And the try is good.
52:36So, Max, look at...
52:38Thanks, mate.
52:44This is the take in through 50 points in Test Match Rugby for France.
52:51Hit it pretty nicely. Crowd like it. And the flags are up in Lyon.
52:59It's the weight of that kick. His feet are still on the ground, calling for the mark.
53:04Grandidier just smart to keep on playing to the referee, to the whistle.
53:12Well, there's been a bit of talk about Aaron Grandidier signed for Poe after the Paris Olympic Games.
53:18And when you've got the likes of Damien Peneau, all-time leading try-scorer for France, unable to even make
53:26the 23 today.
53:27He was sent back to play for his club in the top 14 this weekend.
53:33Coaching staff said Fabien Gaultier, Aaron Grandidier has done nothing wrong.
53:38He's taken every chance, and he continues to do so.
53:41And that's why he is starting Test Matches for France.
53:45Of course, he's from England. From London.
53:47Originally out of the England Sevens Academy. They let him go way back in the day.
53:53Ended up being a gold medal winner at the Olympic Games for France.
53:56And now he's a regular in the 15er side team. Incredible fast track.
54:01And there he is competing for the ball in the air, and here come France again.
54:06Grandidier has it. No, it did go forward.
54:08Not here. Your arm on the floor here. Not there.
54:14The aerial game has become such an important part of modern rugby.
54:26And Bossy just getting in that channel. But yeah, you're right.
54:29Those contestable kicks tonight, you'd say that Fiji have been struggling to deal with them.
54:34From the work rate, especially from Grandidier. Just getting up, being in the eye line.
54:39And then Moe Farner picking up on those scraps. You can see that it's such a challenge to get up
54:44above your opposite man.
54:46So you're looking for those tap backs, and you need somebody in and around the ball to be able to
54:51pick up those scraps and keep hold of that possession.
54:53So you're looking for those traps, and you've got to pick up those traps.
54:56Fiji have only offloaded the ball twice so far tonight.
55:00They are the offload kings of world rugby, of course, they were the leading offloaders through the July test.
55:09But it's just been a bit stagnated from them so far.
55:11But it's just been a bit stagnated from them so far.
55:12They haven't been able to get much fluidity and much rhythm into the game that we know so well.
55:23and that just highlights it there doesn't it they haven't been able to find that flow that
55:26rhythm it's in a lot of kicking in this first half as well from them double the
55:32says
55:32I have a
55:33Nice
55:34Nice
55:34Nice
55:34Nice
55:36Nice
55:43Nice
55:44Nice
55:44Nice
55:45Nice
55:46Up hard line is Vinyasa Umbossi.
55:49But it's turnover ball, is it?
55:51It's been hacked forward, no.
55:52Still alive for Fiji, but Natsusogbe's there
55:55to clean it up for France.
55:57Lovely left foot step on Cura Volley there
56:00from the fullback.
56:01That's halftime. That's the half.
56:04So you heard the voice of the referee saying
56:06that's the 40 minutes done, and Dupont happy to oblige
56:10and put it over the sideline.
56:13France in very good shape indeed,
56:17despite that injury to Romain Intimac.
56:20Go to halftime, leading Fiji by 26 points to three.
56:31Fiji down 26-3 at halftime here in Lyon.
56:38They have conceded four first-half tries
56:44and they have an uphill climb
56:47as we look ahead to the second half here
56:49at the Groupama Stadium.
56:52The try scoring was started by Prince Lucet prop,
56:55Jean-Baptiste Gros, Paul Boudin on the number eight,
56:58went over.
57:00Falatea, the tight head, chimed in.
57:04And Aaron Grandidier and Canang
57:08off his own chip and chase.
57:10Mark not taken by Villamoni-Baptiste.
57:14I think he's having that exact moment explained to him
57:17by the referee that he thought he'd taken the mark,
57:19but the ball did come out and Grandidier and Canang
57:21was on to it.