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France Halt Slide With 34–21 Win Over Fiji as Depoortere Scores Twice

The win did little to ease worries over discipline or head knocks before Australia in Paris.

Overview

  • France raced to a 21-0 lead inside 19 minutes in Bordeaux, then saw Fiji level at 21-21 early in the second half before sealing it through Thomas Ramos penalties and a late Depoortere try.
  • Nicolas Depoortere delivered a brace, including the clincher, standing out in his home city after an inconsistent team display.
  • Centres Pierre‑Louis Barassi and Émilien Gailleton were withdrawn for concussion assessments; Fabien Galthié said Barassi will likely miss training next week and expressed optimism for Gailleton.
  • Galthié and players pointed to indiscipline and missed tackles as the root of the mid-game collapse, with the coach noting a run of nine penalties during that period.
  • France ended a four-match losing streak and now prepare to face Australia next Saturday at the Stade de France.