France opened their Autumn Nations Series with an eight-try victory against Japan, as Antoine Dupont played an influential part on his international return.
Looking to put the ghosts to rest of their World Cup quarter-final defeat, France were relentless in their victory.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey settled any nerves with a third-0minute try before kicker Thomas Ramos played a key role in assisting Emilien Gailleton’s second try with nine minutes on the clock.
The Brave Blossoms were unable to cope with left winger Bielle-Biarrey who scored a third try and then assisted Alexandre Roumat’s fourth score.
The hosts were out of sight by half-time with Peato Mauvaka dotting down a fifth score as Eddie Jones’ visitors came into half-time 31-0 behind.
It looked like the onslaught might continue when Jean-Baptiste Gros opened his account just seconds after the break.
However, to the relief of Jones the visitors were sparked into life as Harumichi Tatekawa got them off the bagel.
The strength of the French squad was showcased with replacement Paul Boudehent coming on to score a brace of tries, sandwiched by Tevita Tatafu try in response.
France will have to tighten their defence when they host New Zealand next Saturday evening (20:10 GMT), while Japan and Jones head to Twickenham to face England on Sunday, November 24.
Talking Point – Dupont and France youngsters build to test All Blacks next weekend
With Antoine Dupont back playing in the France side they were full of confidence as the hosts proved too strong for Japan.
However, next weekend New Zealand will test the discipline of a French side who were guilty of giving away important second half penalties.
France will look for winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey to have another standout performance next weekend and his partnership with kicker Thomas Ramos could prove key to their success.
The All Blacks arriving at the Stade De France could also come as a steep learning curve for talented youngsters TevitaTatafu and TheoAttissogbe, amongst others.
Player of the match – Thomas Ramos (France)
The Toulouse fly-half is an important cog in the French machine, despite the skilful play of Dupont often stealing the headlines.
Ramos added six penalties to the French tally and his placement of attacking kicks were also key in assisting several tries.
The fly-half also played his role defensively with some last ditch tackles which prevented the visitors adding to their tally.
Player Ratings
France: Gross 7, Mauvaka 8, Tatafu 7, Flament 7, Meafou 6, Cros 6, Roumat 6, Alldritt 6, Dupont 8, Ramos 8, Bielle-Biarrey 8, Moefana 7, Gailleton 6, Attissogbe 7, Barre 6.
Replacements: Marchand 6, Wardi 6, Colombe 6, Guillard 6, Boudehent 8, Lucu 6, Jalibert 7, Fickou 6
Japan: Okabe 6, Harada 6, Takeuchi 6, Uluiviti 6, Dearns 6, Shimokawa 6, Himeno 6, Makisi 6, Saito 6, Tatekawa 7, Osada 7, Fifita 6, Riley 8, Naikabula 7, Tuitama 6
Replacements: Matsuoka 7, Morikawa 6, Tamefusa 6, Fakatava 6, Tatafu 7, Fujiwara 6, Kajimura 6, Matsunaga 6
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