France survives scare from Fiji to end four-game losing streak

By Canadian Press on November 15, 2025.

BORDEAUX, France (AP) — France survived a major scare from Fiji before running out a 34-21 winner on Saturday and ending the worst losing streak on coach Fabien Galthiè’s watch.

In the rain, France flew to 21-0 in 20 minutes but Fiji tied the score just after halftime, exposing some poor tackling. Fiji had beaten France once, in 2018 in Paris.

A couple of penalties by Thomas Ramos gave some breathing room and the result wasn’t secured until midfielder Nicolas Depoortère’s second try with nine minutes left.

The victory by four tries to three ended a four-game losing run.

After losing to South Africa last weekend and looking out of breath, France reloaded with seven changes including stand-in captain Grégory Alldritt and Charles Ollivon. But the Six Nations champion’s defense was woeful at times and the urgency fell away at 21-0.

Fiji, unchanged from also running England close last weekend, had more carries, made 400 more meters than France, and made the home side make twice as many tackles, but was let down by discipline.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

The Associated Press