12.55am
FRANCE 61 FIJI 18
BRISBANE - Centre Yannick Jauzion scored a hat-trick on Saturday as France defeated Fiji 61-18 in their opening World Cup pool B match.
After trailing 24-8 at halftime, Fiji scored 10 points in the opening three minutes of the second half including a wonderful try to wing Rupeni
Caucaunibuca who sliced through the French defence.
But France kept their composure and gained a bonus point with wing Christophe Dominici (two), number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, and hooker Raphael Ibanez also scoring tries.
Caucaunibuca and France flanker Olivier Magne were both sent to the sin-bin in the final quarter after a brief but ugly brawl.
France - Tries: Christophe Dominici (2), Imanol Harinordoquy, Yannick Jauzion (3), Raphael Ibanez. Conversions: Frederic Michalak (4). Penalties: Frederic Michalak (6)
Fiji - Tries: Apisai Naevo, Rupeni Caucaunibuca. Conversion: Nicky Little. Penalties: Nicky Little (2)
Yellow cards: Caucaunibuca (Fiji), Olivier Magne (France)
- REUTERS
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