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
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
TRY! France 13 - 10 Uruguay 32 mins
Etcheverry scores right next to the posts! TMO now checking for obstruction.
France 13 - 5 Uruguay 31 mins
A much improved scrum from Uruguay and it’s France who are penalised this time!
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.
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