France named what looked like their full-strength squad for their match against Namibia. And it told early. We saw a France bonus point for four tries after just 21 minutes. In the end they won 96-0, which is a record World Cup haul for les Bleus.
Damian Penaud’s second score of the first half wrapped up the bonus point after just 21 minutes, with returnee Jonathan Danty also netting two tries in the half, to go along with scores for Charles Ollivon, Thibaud Flament, talismanic captain Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
🇫🇷 C'EST MAGNIFIQUE 🇫🇷
You're going to want to watch this… And stick around for the replays 💯#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/iMBQRUbuaK
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) September 21, 2023
It was a ruthless display – and one the country probably expected after a lacklustre France backed up their stirring opening-day win over the All Blacks with a less-than-convincing victory over Uruguay. Sure, there were lots of changes but the country expected more.
Related: What Is The Highest Ever Score In A Rugby World Cup Match?
And more they got, as les Blues ran riot against the Namibians. The half closed out at 54-0 to the Rugby World Cup hosts, with a France bonus point a distant blur as the half wore on.
They ran riot all game. However, the record France win over Namibia was marred by an Antoine Dupont injury.
A nation holds its breath…
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