Players of Japan and France shake hands after the rugby international test match between Japan and France at Toyota Stadium on July 02, 2022 in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
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Winger Damian Penaud has scored two tries as France put together a strong second-half performance for a commanding 42-23 victory over Japan in the first Test at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi.
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The two countries were level at 13-13 at halftime after a sprightly first-half display by the hosts but the strength and fitness of the French proved decisive in the second period in swelteringly hot and humid conditions which dictated several water breaks.
Penaud took his international try tally to 18 but it was the triumphant return of flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert after serious injury that marked the French success.
Garbisi The Great & Montpellier’s Maiden Title | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 36
Good things come to those who wait… we’re joined by Montpellier hero Paolo Garbisi after a whirlwind of a week involving some epic celebrations and a long drive to join up with Italy ahead of their upcoming internationals! We discuss what it’s like to win a first ever Top 14 title for Montpellier in his first season with the club, what the celebrations were like, how he could’ve ended up in England, the influence of Zach Mercer, keeping Handre Pollard out of the team, the emotional scenes in Cardiff in March, potentially partnering his brother in the halfbacks for Italy, what next for the Azzurri and much more. Plus, there’s some massive transfer news surrounding a France international, we look ahead to France’s series with Japan and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week… Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com
Garbisi The Great & Montpellier’s Maiden Title | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 36
Good things come to those who wait… we’re joined by Montpellier hero Paolo Garbisi after a whirlwind of a week involving some epic celebrations and a long drive to join up with Italy ahead of their upcoming internationals! We discuss what it’s like to win a first ever Top 14 title for Montpellier in his first season with the club, what the celebrations were like, how he could’ve ended up in England, the influence of Zach Mercer, keeping Handre Pollard out of the team, the emotional scenes in Cardiff in March, potentially partnering his brother in the halfbacks for Italy, what next for the Azzurri and much more. Plus, there’s some massive transfer news surrounding a France international, we look ahead to France’s series with Japan and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week… Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com
A thigh tear had kept the 23-year-old out of the team for the past eight months but he reminded spectators of his class in setting up two of the five French tries.
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