France took a 21–14 lead into halftime against Fiji at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium, following an intense first half that saw the hosts assert dominance early before the visitors mounted a spirited comeback. In the opening 20 minutes, France showcased their tactical structure and precision, scoring three tries without reply. Center Nicolas Depoortere initiated the scoring in the 6th minute with a well-executed finish. Hooker Julien Marchand and captain Charles Ollivon quickly followed, allowing France to build a commanding 21–0 lead after successful conversions by Thomas Ramos.
However, Fiji’s resilience came to the fore as they looked to shift momentum. Kalaveti Ravouvou broke through the French defense in the 28th minute, scoring Fiji’s first try and igniting their effort. Moments before halftime, Selestino Ravutaumada added another try, narrowing the score to 21–14 as the teams headed into the break.
This exciting match reflects the contrasting styles and strengths of both teams, with France aiming to bounce back from a recent loss and Fiji looking to capitalize on their previous experience, including a historic 21-14 victory over France in 2018. Both sides are now set for a thrilling second half, showcasing the competitive spirit that makes international rugby so captivating.
The anticipation for the second half grows, as both teams strive for victory, offering a perfect platform for Fiji to demonstrate their growth in preparation for future tournaments, especially with eyes looking towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The match not only represents a test of skill and endurance but also a hopeful celebration of their respective journeys in rugby.