France thrash Namibia 96-0 in Rugby World Cup

Host nation France maintained their unbeaten start at the Rugby World Cup 2023 with a 96-0 win against Namibia at the Stade de Marseille on Thursday. Les Bleus scored 14 tries in total, including a hat-trick for Damian Penaud, who moved third in France’s all-time try scorers list with his 33rd Test touchdown, trailing only Serge Blanco (38) and Vincent Clerc (34).

Centre Jonathan Danty and flanker Charles Ollivon scored two tries apiece, while Thomas Ramos kicked 12 conversions for a personal tally of 24 points. There was some concern for head coach Fabien Galthié, however, as Captain and scrum half Antoine Dupont was forced to leave the field early in the second half following a head clash with Namibia Captain Johan Deysel, who was shown a red card for the collision.

There was better news for back row Anthony Jelonch, who played 54 minutes after returning for the World Cup after a serious injury. This was France’s biggest ever victory and their previous record win was 87-10, also against Namibia, at the 2007 World Cup in Toulouse.

Despite sitting atop the pool on 13 points after three wins, France are not yet guaranteed a quarter-final slot as New Zealand and Italy – the latter of whom France face in their final fixture in two weeks – could still both top the standings.

Meanwhile, Namibia are next in action against Uruguay on September 27, for their final Pool ‘A’ match, at the OL Stadium in Lyon. (C.D)

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