Fiji secure first win over France with 14-21 triumph

France 14-21 Fiji, Stade de France
Scorecard

Fiji capped off their November series on a high as they went on to register their first win over France with a 14-21 margin at Stade de France on Saturday.

After the first 19 minutes went without a point, it was Semi Radradra, who collected the ball deep inside France's 22 and defeated tackles from Sebastien Vahaamahina and Baptiste Serin to score the opening try for Fiji. Ben Volavola slotted the conversion to take the scoreline to 0-7.

However, the response from France came back five minutes later with Guilhem Guirado touching down and Serin's conversion meant the scores were levelled 7-7.

Volavola set the tone for Fiji's next try as his kick found Vereniki Goneva, who offloaded to Radradra in the build up. But it was eventually Josua Tuisova, who breached past the final defence of France to stroll over the line by the 31st minute for an unconverted try that put Fiji into a five point lead.

The visitors thought they extended their lead further when Goneva went over the line in the 37th minute but was disallowed by the TMO as they charged Radradra for offisde in the build up to the try. Fiji's momentum was hampered a bit and France made full use of the chance as Guirado crossed over for his second try and Serin's conversion meant they headed into the break with a 14-12 lead.

The Pacific Island side showed greater intent in the second half as Volavola got them into the lead with a 44th minute penalty kick and five minutes later their attack almost paid dividend as Tuisova brought them close for another try but Tevita Cavubati late tackle on Yoann Huget prevented the charge.

Another infringement from France at breakdown saw Volavola take France to a 14-18 lead. Fiji averted a late charge from France with their strong defence as Volavola's third penalty kick in the added minutes saw them complete a seven point victory.