A thrilling rugby match between France and Fiji had everyone on the edge of their seats! The French spirit was tested, but they emerged victorious with a double from Depoortere.
France started strong, with the young talent Depoortere kicking things off, followed by Marchand and Ollivon extending their lead. Ramos’ perfect conversion rate kept them ahead. But here’s where it gets controversial… Fiji fought back with an incredible comeback, scoring tries through Ravouvou, Ravutaumada, and Wainiqolo, and with Kuruvoli’s conversions, they were level by halftime!
After some tense moments, Depoortere’s second try sealed the deal for France, a much-needed win after a tough loss to the Rugby World Cup champions. And this is the part most people miss… it was a week of redemption for head coach Fabien Galthie, who faced criticism after the previous defeat.
Les Bleus will now host Australia in Paris, aiming to finish the year on a high. Galthie emphasized the importance of winning, especially after a home loss to start the season. He added, “It was a victory against a formidable opponent.”
Galthie made some key changes, bringing back experienced players like Alldritt and Ollivon, to avoid another loss. Fiji, on the other hand, stuck with their starting lineup from the England match, including French-based players like Ravumautada and Wainiqolo.
The match showcased the dominance of France’s Six Nations champions early on, but Fiji’s resilience kept them in the game. By halftime, the visitors were right back in the fight. Les Bleus had to make some tactical adjustments, with Jegou moving to center due to injuries.
Fiji continued their strong performance after the break, with Wainiqolo’s try and Kuruvoli’s conversions keeping them in contention. However, France regained control with Ramos’ penalties, and Depoortere’s charging run sealed the victory for the home team.
So, what do you think? Was it a fair win for France, or did Fiji’s spirit deserve a different outcome? Let’s discuss in the comments!
© 2025 AFP