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

Rugby World Cup: France get off to a flying start against New Zealand in opening game

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 vs Uruguay live

• France unconvincingly beat Uruguay 27-12 to make it two wins from two in Pool A
• REPORT: France given huge Rugby World Cup scare by minnows Uruguay
• FULL-TIME! France 27-12 Uruguay
• 72’ - TRY! Bielle-Biarrey over in the corner to put the game to bed (FRA 27-12 URU)
• 55’ - TRY! France immediately hit back as Mauvaka capitalises on sloppy kick error (FRA 20-12 URU)
• 52’ - TRY! Amaya dances through for try in the corner (FRA 13-12 URU)
• 49’ - NO TRY! Villiere score chalked off for Jelonch knock-on in the air (FRA 13-5 URU)
• 32’ - NO TRY! Etcheverry’s try for Uruguay ruled out for obstruction during the build-up (FRA 13-5 URU)
• 11’ - TRY! Hastoy finishes off nice team move (FRA 10-5 URU)
• 6’ - TRY! Freitas goes over to give Uruguay shock lead (FRA 3-5 URU)

[14 September 2023 21:35 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 20 - 12 Uruguay 66 mins

Uruguay now with a scrum close to the France line. Eight points in it... can they do it?!

[14 September 2023 21:31 · Imogen Ainsworth]

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.

[14 September 2023 21:29 · Imogen Ainsworth]

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.

[14 September 2023 21:23 · Luke Baker]

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?

[14 September 2023 21:19 · Luke Baker]

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.

[14 September 2023 21:17 · Imogen Ainsworth]

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.

[14 September 2023 21:13 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 - 5 Uruguay 48mins

Jaminet misses a 56m penalty kick, France beginning to look frustrated.

[14 September 2023 21:12 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 - 5 Uruguay 47 mins

A far from precise start to the first half with both sides looking scrappy at points.

[14 September 2023 21:09 · Imogen Ainsworth]

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.

[14 September 2023 21:06 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 - 5 Uruguay 40 mins

Uruguay with a firey start! Amaya breaks the line and sprints away before Uruguay are caught. France then give away a penalty at the ruck.