France v Uruguay LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as hosts survive huge scare
France 27-12 Uruguay: Los Teros hugely impressed but a much-changed Les Bleus had just enough to claim a scrappy win
France backed up their opening night win over New Zealand with a highly-entertaining 27-12 victory over Uruguay as the inspired Rugby World Cup outsiders made the second-string hosts work desperately hard for their points while scoring two fine tries.
Uruguay stunned the home fans when Nicolas Freitas scooped up a loose ball to score the opening try after six minutes and though Antoine Hastoy and the boot of Melvyn Jaminet edged France clear, they were lucky to lead 13-5 at half-time after a second try for the visitors by Felipe Etcheverry was harshly ruled out for obstruction.
They were not to be denied 13 minutes after the break though as Baltazar Amaya scored a brilliant try that Etcheverry converted to bring Uruguay, playing with remarkable confidence, within a point.
France, struggling with discipline all night, hit back quickly with a try by Peato Mauvaka but were still unable to take command and managed only one more, for Louis Bielle-Biarrey, meaning they missed out on a four-try bonus point and will hope to play better in remaining Pool A fixtures against Namibia and Italy.
Relive all the action from Stade Pierre Mauroy below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here
France 20 - 12 Uruguay 66 mins
Uruguay now with a scrum close to the France line. Eight points in it... can they do it?!
France 20 - 12 Uruguay 62 mins
France give away a penalty now in the scrum for collapsing as Uruguay celebrate being able to diffuse the pressure and kick the ball up the field.
France 20 - 12 Uruguay 60 mins
Even the turf can’t handle the French pack! France showing their dominance again in the scrum as they look to further their lead close to the Uruguay line.
TRY! France 20 - 12 Uruguay 55mins
France reply immediately and it’s Mauvaka who scores after a flustered kick from Etcheverry hits his own player and France take advantage swiftly. Superb handling from Mauvaka to remain in control and ground the ball. It’s exactly what France needed, but will Uruguay be able to work their way back?
TRY! France 13 - 12 Uruguay 52 mins
Amaya scores on the outside for Uruguay as he spots a space and goes through it! He’s an impressive sevens player and it’s certainly showing. The conversion is good and France are now only ahead by one.
France 13 - 5 Uruguay 48mins
Villiere dots down but it goes to TMO. The ball bounced off of Jelonch’s shoulder in the process as he goes to collect the high ball and they go back for the knock-on, no try.
An abundance of changes from both sides before the scrum.
France 13 - 5 Uruguay 48mins
Jaminet misses a 56m penalty kick, France beginning to look frustrated.
France 13 - 5 Uruguay 47 mins
A far from precise start to the first half with both sides looking scrappy at points.
France 13 - 5 Uruguay 44 mins
Errors creeping in for both sides now, France the next side to be penalised for their lineout throw not being straight. They had just won a turnover before the lineout but now Uruguay are back in possession of the ball.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments