2 Oct 2015

France too strong for Canada

11:35 am on 2 October 2015

It was France's superior fitness that gave them the edge over a spirited but error-prone Canada, winning 41-18 to continue their run in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup.

France's Guilhem Guirado and Sebastien Tillous Borde wave to the crowd.

France's Guilhem Guirado and Sebastien Tillous Borde wave to the crowd. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

In a fast-paced opening period, the French established a 24-12 lead with tries from Wesley Fofana, Guilhem Guirado and Rabah Slimani, while Pascal Pape and debutant Remy Grosso crossed in the second half to seal the bonus point victory.

The Canadians were a constant attacking threat, but made too many basic mistakes.

They succeeded in grabbing two first-half tries through DTH van der Merwe and Aaron Carpenter but ran out of steam in the final quarter.

France will face Ireland in their final group match on Monday week, which is likely to decide the winner of the group.

Canada meet Romania on Wednesday, their last chance for a win.

- Reuters

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.