11.30pm
FRANCE 41 USA 14
WOLLONGONG - South Africa-born Brian Liebenberg scored three tries as France's second string beat a spirited United States side 41-14 in World Cup pool B.
France went into the game already sure of top spot but outscored the Americans by five tries to two to make sure of a fourth bonus point in four matches.
Liebenberg, a controversial selection for the World Cup ahead of Thomas Castaignede, scored from close range each time after sweeping back moves.
The Eagles, however, 26-0 down at the break, fought back with two tries early in the second half, first five-eighths Mike Hercus setting up the first with a pop pass before going over himself after a neat dummy inside.
It was the first time in the tournament the French failed to pass 50 points.
France - Tries: Brian Liebenberg (3), Jean-Baptiste Poux, Yannick Bru; Conversions: Gerald Merceron (2); Drop goal: Dimitri Yachvili; Penalties: Merceron (3)
US - Tries: Kort Schubert, Mike Hercus; Conversions: Mike Hercus (2)
- REUTERS
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Liebenberg hat-trick fires France
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