France win hard-fought battle with Uruguay

AFP

France backed up their opening win over New Zealand with a highly entertaining 27-12 victory over Uruguay, as the inspired outsiders made the second-string hosts work desperately hard for their points.

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 halftime 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 and but were still unable to take command and managed only one more, for Louis Bielle-Biarrey.