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 21:05 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 - 5 Uruguay 40 mins

They’re back underway in Lille!

[14 September 2023 21:01 · Luke Baker]

HALF-TIME! France 13-5 Uruguay

Here are the major highlights from the first half. Uruguay came agonisingly close to narrowing the deficit to just a point before Felipe Etcheverry’s try was disallowed.

[14 September 2023 20:56 · Luke Baker]

HALF-TIME! France 13-5 Uruguay

Uruguay gave France all they could handle in that first half. Will Les Bleus pull away after the break?

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

(REUTERS)

[14 September 2023 20:51 · Imogen Ainsworth]

HALF TIME France 13 -5 Uruguay 40 mins

Penalty to Uruguay and they kick the ball out on half time to deny France any chance of scoring before the break. France definitely looking the stronger side when it comes to set pieces but Uruguay are creating some exciting chances with ball in hand.

[14 September 2023 20:48 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 - 5 Uruguay 39 mins

Hastoy’s kick to Villière is overcooked but we go back for a penalty, Uruguay given a warning as Ardao is off his feet.

[14 September 2023 20:44 · Luke Baker]

NO TRY France 13 -5 Uruguay 32 mins

The try is looked at again and Inciarte is found to have caused obstruction to a potential tackle on Etcheverry, try doesn’t stand.

Just before the try it was also decided by the off-field review that Taofifénua’s card will remain as a yellow.

[14 September 2023 20:40 · Imogen Ainsworth]

TRY! France 13 - 10 Uruguay 32 mins

Etcheverry scores right next to the posts! TMO now checking for obstruction.

[14 September 2023 20:39 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 - 5 Uruguay 31 mins

A much improved scrum from Uruguay and it’s France who are penalised this time!

[14 September 2023 20:35 · Luke Baker]

YELLOW CARD France 13 -5 Uruguay 27 mins

Romain Taofifénua is sent off the field as his shoulder makes contact with Arata’s head. Referee Ben O'Keeffe signals for an off-field review and we’ll wait to see if the card remains as a yellow or is upgraded to a red.

[14 September 2023 20:33 · Imogen Ainsworth]

France 13 -5 Uruguay 26 mins

Uruguay hold France up to defend a threatening rolling maul and earn a penalty.