Victor Laporte gives Japan due credit

French coach Bernard Laporte extended his congratulations to Japan after the Cherry Blossoms put up a heroic show in Townsville tonight.

France eventually emerged from their Pool B encounter with a 51-29 triumph - but not before they had been stunned by a Japanese rally which at one stage early in the second half saw the deficit reduced to just a single point.

“You have to congratulate Japan,” said Laporte.

“They had lots of speed and agility and put us under a lot of pressure.

“I had felt quite confident in the first half – but in the second they put us under a lot of pressure and forced us into a lot of mistakes.”

Although France managed to collect a vital bonus point for the second successive game, Frederic Michalak – who scored 24 points – suffered a suspected broken rib and influential lock Fabien Pelous took a heavy blow on the thigh.

Both are rated doubtful for next Saturday’s crunch encounter with Scotland, in which Laporte must hope his team do not repeat today’s sloppy performance.

Aurelien Rougerie scored two tries for the French – while Pelous, Jean-Jacques Crenca, Michalak and Christophe Dominici also crossed for scores.

George Konia and Daisuke Ohata scored tries for Japan, and Toru Kurihara kicked five penalties and two conversions.

“I can’t say it’s good that we lost – but we are a lower-ranking side and we have helped Japanese rugby by making France struggle,” said Japanese captain Takuro Miuchi.

“Our side has plenty of ability in all positions and now we have proved it against both Scotland and France.”