France survive stiff Japan test to extend winning run

Japan matched the Six Nations champions through a tough first half.

TOYOTA, JAPAN - JULY 02: Dylan Cretin (C) of France is tackled by Keita Inagaki of Japan during 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)

France broke out of a 13-13 halftime deadlock, scoring four second-half tries Saturday to beat Japan 42-23 in the first of two rugby tests.

Japan started well and might have been on the way to another giant-killing performance when they matched the Six Nations champions through a tough first half.