Parra inspires Les Bleus
France had Morgan Parra to thank as they overcame Canada 46-19 in difficult conditions in Napier.
Last Updated: 18/09/11 11:25am
France had Morgan Parra to thank as they overcame Canada 46-19 in difficult conditions in Napier.
The scrum-half's sure-footed accuracy in heavy rain meant Les Bleus were able to bounce back from a slow start and quell the fight of the Canucks.
The Canadians had twice led early on but they were left to rue the misses from the boot of James Pritchard as France were let off the hook.
Parra, though, landed 23 points to ensure France were able to see off the Canadians.
Vincent Clerc (3) and Damien Traille also crossed for tries and Francois Trinh-Duc was on target with a drop goal.
Ryan Smith touched down for Canada, with Ander Monro slotting over two drop goals and Pritchard adding eight points.
Pritchard had slotted over first penalty attempt to put Canada into an early lead before France hit back.
An up-and-under from Francois Trinh-Duc was missed by Pritchard, with Clerc able to pick up the loose ball and score an easy try. Parra converted.
Pounced
However Canada responded with a try of their own from an up-and-under. Traille dropped Monro's high kick and Smith pounced. Pritchard converted.
The rest of the half was a tale of the two kickers with Pritchard missing all his efforts, while Parra slotted over four penalties - three in the final six minutes of the 40.
Pritchard missed his third penalty attempt three minutes after the break, however Monro did cut the deficit with a drop goal.
Parra, though, brought his personally tally to 17 points with his fifth successful penalty - only for Monro to respond with his second drop goal.
Parra finally missed an attempt at goal in the 51st minute but Trinh-Duc was on target with a drop goal to restore the nine-point advantage.
In a see-saw battle, Canada responded again when Pritchard added a three-pointer.
However France put the game beyond doubt with a moment of brilliance from Traille, breaking the Canadian resistance. Parra converted.
And although the Canucks attempted to find a way back into the game, France had the last word as Clerc crossed twice in the final minutes to give the score an unflattering look. Parra added the extras both times.