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Jaminet powers France to comfortable win over Fiji
By Ben Smith
France have seen off Fiji by 34-17 at Stade de la Beaujoire in their second-to-last Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture.
The hosts scored three tries to two but the boot of Melvyn Jaminet powered France to victory, slotting seven of eight for a personal haul of 19.
Jaminet kicked three penalty goals to build a 9-0 lead over the Fijians in the first 10 minutes.
Fiji replied through the boot of Caleb Muntz but French hooker Peato Mauvaka opened the try scoring after right wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey broke away down the right side with searing pace. Jaminet's conversion took France out to 16-3.
Fiji responded with a try to their own hooker Tevita Ikanivere but prop Uini Atonio crashed over before half-time to take a comfortable 21-10 lead.
Another Jaminet penalty kept the home side comfortably ahead, before captain Semi Radradra scored next to the posts stretching out to find the line.
Radradra's effort kept Fiji in the game at 24-17 but reserve flanker Sekou Macalou killed off the contest with a well-read intercept.
He picked off halfback Frank Lomani from the lineout and sprinted away to score.
France named their World Cup squad on Monday before a final hitout against the winless Wallabies next weekend.
Fiji have a final warm-up clash against England before opening their campaign against Wales.
France 34 (Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Sekou Macalou tries; Melvyn Jaminet 2 cons, 5 pens)
Fiji 17 (Tevita Ikanivere, Semi Radradra tries; Caleb Muntz 2 con, pen)
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Latest Comments
You’d hope so. The A game is good for the guys close to selection.
Must say I didn’t think Tom was a standout in the A game but it’s the only game I’ve watched him this season that he wasn’t.
Luke Reimer was a clear MoM from our perspective - hard to believe Tizzano, for all his effort, is considered a better option to back up FMR. He’s a world class breakdown threat, he’s a powerful defender, and his carrying has really stepped up.
Go to commentsto help the referee's decision, it seems he also deliberately push the ball directly in touch. But already the first yellow card and some penalties showed a lack of discipline.
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