The FIJI Water Flying Fijians have gone down 34-21 to France in a fiercely contested match that featured powerful displays from both sides.
Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada and Jiuta Wainiqolo each crossed the line for Fiji, showcasing their signature flair and explosive pace.
For France, Nicolas Depoortère scored twice, while Julien Marchand and Charles Ollivon also added to the scoreboard.
France led 21-14 at halftime and capitalised on their structured play and discipline to control the second half, scoring key tries that secured their lead.
Despite the loss, Fiji impressed with their trademark big carries, creative attacking plays, and relentless energy throughout the match.
The Flying Fijians now face Spain at 4am next Sunday.
Live Updates
Kickoff
12 offside for France
Fiji awarded a penalty and they opt for touch.
They secure their line-out ball but the French manage to counter ruck them off the ball at a breakdown.
A handling error by Fiji sees the visitors get the an attacking scrum and they win a free-kick as well.
Pierre-Louis Barassi scores for France as the two French centers combine to create space for their team.
Ntamack adds the extras
Missed attempt at goal by Caleb Muntz as his kick goes astray
High tackle penalty against Fiji and France opts for touch. Touch found in the Fijian 22
Ntamack kicks for touch again as the French win another penalty this time for an illegal collapse.
The home team gives away a soft penalty for obstruction at the maul and the visitors opt for touch but Muntz doesn’t find touch.
Second tries from France in the 14th minutes
Selestino Ravutaumada sent off with a yellow card and being reviewed after some head contact in a tackle.
Julien Marchand scores of the back of a powerful maul a couple of meters out from the try line.
Ramos adds the extras
Charles Ollivon scores for France agains the run of play after an intercept by Damian Penaud.
Ramos adds the extras
Offside penalty against France and Muntz finds touch close to the 22.
The call also comes from the TMO that the yellow card will remain yellow.
The Fijian get their offload game going and it takes a penalty to stop their momentum. They opt for touch but the line out ball is lost.
Kalaveti Ravouvou scores first try for Fiji
The Fiji team is managing to hold onto the ball and France gives away a prnalty at the ruck. Muntz finds touch close to the 22.
Selstino Ravutaumada scores the second tries for Fiji
Kuruvoli adds the extras
Jiuta Wainiqolo scores the third tries for Fiji
Kuruvoli adds the extras
Offside penalty for France and they opt for touch. The French get their maul going but the. The ball is ripped by Mata and kicked forward
Ramos lines up a 45m kick at goal but misses his kick at goal.
Soft penalty by Fiji as they don’t release the player before trying to rip the ball on the ground. France opts for touch this time.
Ramos slots a penalty kick from right in front if goal
Play is stopped for an injury and Fiji gets the feed to a scrum inside their own half
After applying pressure on France and forcing them to kick the ball into touch inside their own 22 the Fijian line-out ball is stolen and pressure relieved for France.
Nicolas Depoortere finishes off a try for France as he hits a gap and manages to get over the line.
Ramos adds the extras
