France too strong for the islanders

France 43 Samoa 5: FRANCE COACH Marc Lievremont has made four changes to his squad for Saturday’s Test against New Zealand in…

France 43 Samoa 5:FRANCE COACH Marc Lievremont has made four changes to his squad for Saturday's Test against New Zealand in Marseille.

Flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo, hooker William Servat, lock Lionel Nallet and centre Maxime Mermoz were all recalled.

Winger Benjamin Fall was originally named in the party but later had to withdraw due to a thigh injury, with Yann David coming in.

Number eight Imanol Harinordoquy and flanker Louis Picamoles miss out through injury while hooker Guilhem Guirado, lock Pascal Pape and flanker Alexandre Lapandry were left out.

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France followed up an impressive win over world champions South Africa with a comprehensive victory over an outclassed Samoa side at the Stade de France on Saturday. The Samoan line was under siege from the outset as Szarzewski crossed for the opening score after just three minutes. Morgan Parra added the conversion to give France an early 7-0 advantage.

Parra began the move which led to the second try five minutes later, Clerc latching onto a neat grubber from Maxime Medard and diving over. Parra again added the extras.

The South Sea Islanders were being completely outclassed and did not manage to see enough of the ball to trouble the skilful French despite their physical presence.

Trinh-Duc supplied Jauzion for the third try after 13 minutes, chipping over the top for the centre to brilliantly pull the ball down out of the area and cross the line to further deflate Samoa.

Their lead was further extended, after a video review, on the half-hour by a Dusautoir try and the seemingly relentless boot of Parra again made no mistake as Marc Lievremont’s side surged 28-0 ahead.

Julien Bonnaire then supplied Bayonne wing Fall with a grubber to cross for his first France try and, although Parra missed the conversion, the hosts went in at half-time 33-0 up.

Samoa outhalf Fa’atonu Fili missed three penalties as the visitors toiled for their breakthrough.

Trinh-Duc powered over for a sixth score just after the hour after a scrum five yards from the Samoa line, and added another to his personal tally just five minutes later. Parra missed the first conversion and was replaced by Julien Dupuy, who hit the post with his attempt.

Samoa finally breached the French defence after 71 minutes with a well-taken try from Tekori which will have provided some consolation after a thoroughly demoralising afternoon.

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