Parra and Clerc shine for France

France 46 Canada 19:France had Morgan Parra and Vincent Clerc to thank as they overcame Canada in difficult conditions in Napier. The scrumhalf landed 23 points, while Clerc scored three tries and Damien Traille got one to put the gloss on the victory.

Francois Trinh-Duc was on target with a drop-goal.

Parra's sure-footed accuracy in heavy rain meant Les Bleus bounced back from a slow start and quell a gallant Canadian performance, which was hindered by the wayward kicking of James Pritchard.

Ryan Smith touched down for Canada, with Ander Monro slotting over two drop-goals and Pritchard adding eight points.

Pritchard had slotted over first penalty attempt to put Canada into an early lead before France hit back.

An up-and-under from Francois Trinh-Duc was missed by Prtichard, with Clerc able to pick up the loose ball and score an easy try. Parra converted.

Canada responded with a try of their own from an up-and-under. Traille dropped Monro's bomb and Smith pounced under the posts. Pritchard added the extras.

The rest of the half was a tale of the two kickers with Pritchard missing all his efforts, while Parra slotted over four penalties - three in the final six minutes of the first half.

Pritchard missed his third penalty attempt three minutes after the break, but Monro did cut the deficit with a brilliant drop-goal.

Parra brought his personally tally to 17 points with his fifth successful penalty - only for Monro to respond with his second drop-goal.

The Frenchman finally missed an attempt at goal in the 51st minute but Trinh-Duc was on target with a drop-goal to restore the nine-point advantage.

In a see-saw battle, Canada responded again when Pritchard added a three-pointer, but France put the game beyond doubt with a moment of brilliance from Traille breaking the Canadian resistance for Parra to convert.

Although the Canucks attempted to find a way back into the game, France had the last word as Clerc crossed twice in the final minutes. Parra, appropriately, had the last say with the boot to flatter France on the scoreboard.