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France Edge Fiji 34-21 as Depoortere Brace Ends Four-Test Skid

Concussion setbacks alongside discipline issues leave Galthié focused on tightening up before Australia.

Overview

  • France raced to a 21-0 lead in Bordeaux, were pegged back to 21-21, then pulled clear through two Thomas Ramos penalties and a late second try from Nicolas Depoortere.
  • Depoortere scored twice in a breakout display, with Julien Marchand and Charles Ollivon adding first‑half tries as Thomas Ramos handled kicking duties before a late yellow card.
  • Both centres Pierre‑Louis Barassi and his replacement Émilien Gailleton were withdrawn for head‑injury assessments; Fabien Galthié said he does not expect Barassi to train next week and expressed optimism on Gailleton.
  • Galthié identified discipline as a key problem after the momentum swing from 21-0 to 21-21, noting penalties and missed tackles fed Fiji’s comeback.
  • France conclude the autumn series against Australia at the Stade de France next Saturday, as elsewhere England beat New Zealand 33-19 to extend a 10‑match winning run.