France Beats Fiji 34-21 to End Losing Streak

In Bordeaux, France, on Saturday, Les Bleus overcame a spirited challenge from Fiji to secure a 34-21 victory in their Autumn Nations Series match at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique, snapping a four-game losing streak under coach Fabien Galthié.

The win provided much-needed momentum for France, who had suffered defeats in their previous four tests, including a 32-17 loss to South Africa the weekend prior. Despite entering the game with high expectations after their Six Nations title defense earlier in the year, France's preparations were hampered by fatigue and injuries from the South Africa clash, where they failed to capitalize on playing against 14 men for the entire second half. Galthié responded by making seven changes to the lineup, bringing in stand-in captain Grégory Alldritt and Charles Ollivon to bolster the back row, while Maxime Lucu started at scrum-half in place of the injured Nolann Le Garrec.

Played in rainy conditions, the match began with France asserting dominance, racing to a 21-0 lead within the first 20 minutes through a trio of early tries. Winger Damian Penaud, who became France's all-time leading try-scorer with two scores against South Africa, contributed...