France 27-12 Uruguay: Second-tier hosts put to work by impressive Los Teros
France finally beat Uruguay in Lille on Thursday, but it was the impressive South Americans who came away with the most credit.
The hosts, facing a second-tier team, made it two wins from two to remain in pole position in Pool A, but were pushed all the way by Uruguay, who may now rethink their pre-tournament target of qualify for the next World Cup. and an exit in the group stage.
Uruguay stunned their home fans when Nicolas Freitas collected a loose ball to score the first try after six minutes. Although Antoine Hastoy and the boot of Melvyn Jaminet allowed France to break clear, they were fortunate to lead 13-5 at halftime after a second. Felipe Etcheverry’s visitors’ try was harshly ruled out for obstruction.
Thirteen minutes after the break, Baltazar Amaya scored a brilliant try which Etcheverry converted to bring Uruguay, playing with remarkable confidence, to within one point.
France, struggling with discipline all night, hit back quickly with a try from Peato Mauvaka but still couldn’t take command and only managed one more, to Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Additional reporting from Reuters.
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