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As it happenedended

France vs USA LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2019 latest score, stream and updates from Pool C fixture

Follow all the live action as it unfolds from the the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium 

Harry Latham-Coyle
Wednesday 02 October 2019 08:17 BST
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Rugby World Cup 2019 in numbers

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Follow live updates from the Rugby World Cup as France look to make it two from two when they take on USA this morning.

The French came through an epic thriller against Argentina in their opening match, with Les Bleus now favourite to join England in qualifying for the quarter-finals.

But first they must overcome the challenge posed by Gary Gold’s USA side, who were thumped 45-7 in their opener against Eddie Jones’ men last week. Follow live updates below:

When is is?

France vs USA kicks off at 4.45pm Japan Standard Time, which is 8.45am BST, on Wednesday 2 October.

Where can I watch it?

ITV4 will be broadcasting the match, with coverage starting at 8.15am BST.

You can also live stream the fixture on your laptop, phone or tablet via the ITV hub.

2 minutes

They have to take high balls, too. They don't here, and France collect the bobbling ball.

Camille Lopez knifes through a sizeable hole in the recovering USA defence and slips a one-hander to Gael Fickou, but a smart tackle from Marcel Brache knocks the ball from the centre's grasp. USA clear, but France will have a lineout in good position. 

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:51

4 minutes

Inauspicious start for Alivereti Raka after I gave him the big build-up - France try to work him into the game from the back of a static maul behind Fickou running a decoy line but Raka drops it cold. Knock-on, USA scrum. 

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:52

5 minutes

The US lost their loosehead prop in their first scrum against England, but seem to survive the rigours of this one, with Titi Lamisotele anchoring well on the tighthead side. 

A prod ahead pushes the French back, but there is broken field with which to work. 

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:53

6 minutes

And it's tighthead prop Emerick Setiano of all people to exploit it!

The big man shimmies his way through a gap after Thomas Ramos' fancy footwork creates a broken line, and Setiano's offload to Paul Gabrillagues is a good one.

Dab over the top from Camille Lopez...

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:54

TRY! Yoann Huget collects for the score!

Lopez loves a little attacking kick, and this is a nice one, spotting an under-resourced backfield and prodding the ball over the top of the line, allowing Huget to gather the hopping ball and cross before Marcel Brache can haul him down.

Seven points with Thomas Ramos' conversion. Good start for France.

France 7-0 USA

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:55

8 minutes

The USA rely on their maul but didn't get it going at all against England. Their first attempt here is sacked by France, but illegally so and USA can kick into French territory from the penalty.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:57

9 minutes

Nice play from the USA, playing close to the defensive line and picking passes well. AJ MacGinty fizzes a lovely flat pass out to sevens convert Martin Iosefo, who powers through a tackle and wins another maul, this one five metres from the French line. 

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:58

10 minutes

The maul is brought down again and Louis Picamoles is off for ten!

Ben O'Keeffe is not a patient man. The USA had a proper rumble on and Picamoles pulled the drive down, and out comes the yellow card. O'Keeffe sends the French captain to the sin bin, and the USA will maul again...

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 08:59

11 minutes

Superb defence!

France time their drive brilliantly, waiting for the lineout catcher to hit the deck and then fracturing it with coordinated pushes, guiding it over the touchline without making so much as a metre. France lineout, and an efficient exit from Maxime Machenaud and Camille Lopez. Touched, too, so it will be a French lineout. 

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 09:01

13 minutes

There's that chip again! The USA's backfield is deep expecting a high box kick or bomb from Camille Lopez, but he spots the space and jabs a little lob wedge over the top.

France have it, but just manage to fumble on the floor with support pouring through. A shame - another score was coming, you feel, with the USA defence struggling to recover. 

Harry Latham-Coyle2 October 2019 09:02

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