France outclass Japan

France completed a calendar year of test rugby with a perfect winning record for the first time after beating Japan 35-17 yesterday. France’s 10th win in 10 tests never looked in doubt after the opening minutes. The Tricolores dominated up front and steadily built a 21-3 lead by halftime. Then the rain stopped, the play opened up, and Japan were more comfortable with a dry ball. Both sides added two tries each and Japan joined France in a lap of honour that the packed crowd savoured at Stadium de Toulouse.