France 27-12 Uruguay: Second-string hosts made to work by impressive Los Teros

France eventually battled past Uruguay in Lille on Thursday but it is the impressive South Americans who come away with more credit.

The hosts, playing a second-string team, make it two wins from two to remain in pole position in Pool A, but were pushed all the way by Uruguay, who may now rethink their pre-tournament aim of qualifying for the next World Cup and a group-stage exit.

Uruguay stunned the home fans when Nicolas Freitas scooped up a loose ball to score the opening try after six minutes and though Antoine Hastoy and the boot of Melvyn Jaminet edged France clear, they were lucky to lead 13-5 at half-time after a second try for the visitors by Felipe Etcheverry was harshly ruled out for obstruction.

They were not to be denied 13 minutes after the break though as Baltazar Amaya scored a brilliant try that Etcheverry converted to bring Uruguay, playing with remarkable confidence, within a point.

France, struggling with discipline all night, hit back quickly with a try by Peato Mauvaka and but were still unable to take command and managed only one more, for Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Additional reporting by Reuters.