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France completed a calendar year of test rugby with a first perfect winning record after topping a competitive Japan 35-17 on Sunday.
France finishes perfect year beating Japan in Toulouse
TOULOUSE, France (AP) — France completed a calendar year of test rugby with a first perfect winning record after topping a competitive Japan 35-17 on Sunday.
France’s 10th win in 10 tests and third defeat of Japan this year never looked in doubt after the opening minutes.
The Tricolores dominated up front and steadily built a 21-3 lead by halftime. Then the rain stopped, the play opened up, and Japan was more comfortable with a dry ball. Both sides added two tries each and both sides took a lap of honor in front of a packed crowd that savored the occasion at Stadium de Toulouse.
Victory also extended France’s year-long record winning streak to 13 tests, and it goes into the new year threatening the men’s world record of 18 straight wins.
