A proficient French side put Fiji to the sword in the new Stade Vélodrome, with any thoughts of an upset or even a close finish proving foolish indeed. Teddy Thomas enjoyed a storybook debut, scoring with his first touch less than a minute into his career, and finishing with a hat trick in a memorable performance. Les Bleus stuck to the game plan and dominated the tight-loose before opening it up a bit in the second half.

Generally it’s France who are the most frustrating side to watch in international rugby, but if there is an exception it must be Fiji. It’s a joy to watch their flamboyance and you can always count on them to make something out of nothing, but to throw the ball around from in front of your own posts barely 30 seconds into the match was absolutely suicidal. Metuisela Talebula might as well have awarded the scrum himself his restart was so bad, and with froth still on the beverage Fiji had already conspired to hand the game to their hosts.

Fiji were almost hilariously poor for much of it. Instead of holding their line, the Fijian defenders constantly flew out of the line looking for a bit hit, and leaving massive holes if not missing completely. The only thing in worse shape than their line was the pitch itself, by the end looking like a crime scene at an amateur golf convention, hacked into bits and left for dead. Surely the IRB should have standards set in place after the debacle at Murrayfield earlier this year.

Offensively Fiji they were nearly as bad. Niko Matawalu is enchanting at his best, but at his worst he can completely stifle the attack. His repeated chip kicks did nothing but give away possession, and too many times he took it on instead of moving the ball. Glasgow have employed him mostly as an impact sub for this reason, and perhaps it’s best for John McKee to opt for Henry Seniloli or Nemia Kenatale to make sure his outside backs see the ball. Fiji simply refused to go through any phase play whatsoever, both tries coming off their trademark broken field running.

Another selection change must come at flyhalf, where Jonetani Ralulu did next to nothing. He’s primarily there for his boot, but it was Talebula who was handed the kicking duties until Nemani Nadolo came on. If they’re not going to bother, surely Josh Matavesi should be the preferred option. Nadolo made a positive impact when he come on, but the decision to opt for a shot at goal from 50 metres out and down 18 points was baffling to say the least.

Fiji’s one saving grace, bizarrely, was the scrum. Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, and Manasa Saulo were rock solid throughout and even won a couple penalties. Leone Nakarawa disrupted a couple lineouts and in general the set pieces were good. It’s just a terrible shame that they didn’t look after the ball after putting in the effort to win it.

It’s hard to grade the French based on such mediocre opposition. On the whole Philippe Saint-André would have to be pleased with what he saw. All of the newcomers played well, Camille Lopez controlled the game nicely, and they took most of their scoring opportunities without much trouble. If there is something to worry about, it might be the lacklustre showing from the starting front row, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some changes there for Australia. Sterner tests await, but they have emerged from this match with heads held high.

FRANCE 40 vs 15 FIJI
Saturday, November 8, 16:45 GMT, Marseille

SCORING
01 mins – T. Thomas try 5-0
07 mins – C. Lopez pen 8-0
28 mins – C. Lopez pen 11-0
40 mins – C. Lopez pen 14-0
44 mins – N. Nadolo pen 14-3
45 mins – A. Ratini try 14-8
54 mins – T. Thomas try 19-8
55 mins – C. Lopez con 21-8
56 mins – T. Thomas try 26-8
66 mins – P. Papé try 31-8
67 mins – C. Lopez con 33-8
71 mins – W. Fofana try 38-8
72 mins – R. Kockott con 40-8
80 mins – T. Nagusa try 40-13
80 mins – N. Nadolo 40-15

FRANCE
S. Spedding; Y. Huget, A. Dumoulin (M. Bastareaud 73), W. Fofana, T. Thomas; C. Lopez (R. Talès 68), S. Tillous-Borde (R. Kockott 68); A. Menini (X. Chiocci 58), G. Guirado (B. Kayser 50), N. Mas (U. Atonio 47); P. Papé, Y. Maestri (A. Flanquart 73); T. Dusautoir (capt.), B. le Roux, D. Chouly (C. Ollivon 68).

FIJI
M. Talebula; A. Ratini (T. Nagusa 59), A. Tikoirotuma, L. Botia (N. Nadolo HT), W. Votu; J. Ralulu, N. Matawalu (H. Senilolo 76); C. Ma’afu (J. Yanuyanutawa 65), S. Koto, M. Saulo (I. Colati 75); L. Nakarawa, A. Ratuniyarawa (N. Soqeta 69); D. Waqaniburotu, A. Qera (capt.), M. Matadigo (M. Ravulo 75).

Referee: G. Jackson (NZRU)
Assistants: M. Fraser (NZRU) & F. Anselmi (UAR)
TMO: S. Penne (FIR)