France emerged 34–21 winners over a spirited Fiji side at Matmut Atlantique Stadium, relying on a dominant start and a composed second-half finish to secure the Test victory.
The French produced a blistering opening 20 minutes, crossing for three early tries that immediately put the visitors under pressure.
Nicolas Depoortere opened the scoring in the 6th minute, touching down after France stretched the defence out wide. Hooker Julien Marchand powered over nine minutes later from a rolling maul, before captain Charles Ollivon added a third try in the 19th minute.
With Thomas Ramos converting all three, France raced to a 21–0 lead and looked ready to run away with the match.
But Fiji rallied superbly. Kalaveti Ravouvou broke through to score in the 28th minute, followed by a brilliant finish from Selestino Ravutaumada on the stroke of halftime. Simi Kuruvoli converted both, narrowing the margin to 21–14 at the break.
The visitors struck again immediately after the restart when Jiuta Wainiqolo finished off a sweeping counterattack to bring Fiji within three points. Kuruvoli’s third conversion made it 21–21 and briefly shifted momentum in Fiji’s favour.
France, however, regained control through discipline and territory. Ramos nudged the hosts back in front with penalties in the 50th and 57th minutes, giving France a 27–21 buffer as Fiji struggled with field position.
The decisive blow came in the 71st minute when Depoortere crossed for his second try of the night, capping a sustained period of French pressure. Ramos added the conversion, stretching the lead to 34–21, where it remained until fulltime.
Despite Fiji’s impressive resurgence early in the second half, France’s accuracy off the tee and superior game management ultimately proved the difference.
The win continues France’s strong run at home, while Fiji leaves Bordeaux with positives but regret over a slow start that proved too costly.
