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France fans in decorative face paint pose for the cameras before their Pool B match with Japan in Townsville

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France score the first try of the match through Frederic Michalak and notch another as Aurelien Rougerie bursts through

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Rougerie's pace is enough to take him clear of the Japan defence and his score gives the French a 14-6 lead

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Japan's George Konia sprints ahead of France's Serge Betsen and his try brings Japan right back into the match

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Japan give the French a real battle all over the pitch and go into half-time only four points behind at 20-16

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Japan's ferocious defence smothers France's attempts to attack and the boot of Toru Kurihara keeps them in touch

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France's constant pressure sees them score two tries after the break and finally puts daylight between them and the Japanese

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France eventually stretch away to record a far from easy 51-29 victory over the brave Japanese