France pushed hard by Uruguay but seal 27-12 win

France made it two wins from two at Rugby World Cup 2023 with a 27-12 victory over spirited Uruguay in Pool A in Lille.

The hosts were chastened when Uruguay fly-half Felipe Etcheverry's cushioned cross-field pass was collected by Nicolas Freitas who hared down the left wing for an early opening try.

Etcheverry's French counterpart Antoine Hastoy soon found a way through the yellow jerseys to score, and two penalties by Melvyn Jaminet gave Les Bleus a 13-5 half-time lead.

Uruguay, ranked 17th in the world, moved to within a point when Baltazar Amaya scored but France substitute Peato Mauvaka pounced on a ricochet to run clear and touch down and Louis Bielle-Biarrey's late try secured the victory.