The XV of France beat the Brave Blossoms of Japan this Saturday hands down (23-42) in Tokyo, for its first test match of the summer, in sweltering heat. A ninth consecutive victory for the Blues. Japan stood up to France until halftime (13-13). Fabien Galthié’s men, pitiful in the first period then formidably effective afterwards, scored five tries through Damian Penaud (3rd, 58th), Matthis Lebel (45th), Yoram Moefana (61st) and Pierre Bourgarit (68th). With 17 neophytes, the team was considered by Fabien Galthié as a “laboratory” for the 2023 World Cup.
This Saturday, July 9, the Blues have another meeting with Japan for the second test match, at 7:50 a.m. French time.