Having made 12 changes and without star Antoine Dupont, France flattered to deceive and stumbled to a 27-12 victory over a resolute Uruguay. 

Fabian Galthie’s side were off colour committing multiple errors and 15 penalties but tries from Antoine Hastoy, Peato Mauvaka and Louis Bielle-Biarrey were enough to secure back to back wins and maintain their dominance in pool A. 

France took the lead after three minutes as Melvyn Jaminet knocked over three points following a scrum penalty.

However, Uruguay hit back with vengeance and stunned the hosts with a famous try.

An inch perfect cross field kick from Felipe Alianga landed just over the diving Jaminet allowing Nicolas Freitas to control the ball with his feet and it bounced kindly to allow him to sprint and go over in the corner.

A frantic start saw France edged back in front with a brilliant set move which saw Maxime Lucu feed Antoine Hastoy. 

Jaminet gave France a two-score lead, splitting the posts with a penalty.

France were dominant at scrum time but the Uruguay pack were up for the challenge in their mauls winning back to back turnovers. 

Santiago Arata was floored by a high tackle by Romain Taofifenua that caught the scrum-half in the head and following a bunker review system, the second row was fortunate his yellow card wasn’t upgraded to a red. 

Uruguay appeared to have scored their second try as Alianga crossed but the impressive score was ruled out for obstruction in the build up.

Jaminet missed a shot at goal and Uruguay started the second half better and their impressive performance was rewarded with a second try courtesy of a great finish from Baltazar Amaya as the full back stepped to beat his defender and slide over.

But Uruguay committed a silly error off the restart as Felipe Etcheverry kicked the ball into one of his own players and replacement Peato Mauvaka pounced on the loose ball to restore France’s eight-point lead. 

Uruguay had great opportunities to overturn the deficit working themselves into good positions as they capitalised on France’s ill-discipline but inexperience was their downfall as they endured white line fever. 

France killed the game off as quick hands to the blindside allowed 20-year-old winger Bielle-Biarrey to score out wide.