France vs USA: Rugby World Cup live scores, blog

Coming third and fourth in Pool C, France and the USA both need a win to hold onto their quarter-final hopes. Join The Roar from 5:45pm (AEST), when the teams meet for the first time in 15 years.

France kicked off the Rugby World Cup in the right kind of way: a drop goal from Camille Lopez snagged the win against Argentina. The USA, on the other hand, were thoroughly thrashed by England, 45-7.

Gary Gold’s men were in the game against England for much of the first half, trailing just 14-0 in the 33rd minute. From there, Eddie Jones’ men started to hit their straps, and the only reward the Eagles managed was a late try.

France, despite having a lean few years, have come into some form recently. A 32-3 smashing of Scotland raised eyebrows a few weeks out from the World Cup, but their resurgence isn’t helped by them landing a gig in the pool of death, amongst two other top-tier opponents.

However, having ticked off one such opponent, they’ll now be chasing bonus point wins against the lower-ranked USA and Tonga. This would put them in the running to play in the quarters.

Typhoon Mitag was expected to affect when this game would be played, but it will go ahead as per schedule. However, wet conditions are expected – something that could play into the USA’s favour, with the weather most likely affecting France’s up-tempo style of play.

In team news, both teams have made a number of changes. Hanco Germishuy slots in for John Quill who has a suspension to his name. Will Hooley, Paul Lasike and David Ainu’u will miss the match, injured, bringing in Mike Teo, Eric Fry and Bryce Campbell.

For France, just three players, Arthur Iturria, Gael Fickou and Yoann Huget, retain their positions for their second match.

Louis Picamoles will captain the side from no.8, with Maxime Machenaud taking over at halfback.

Look out for Marcel Brache for the Eagles. The flyer has represented the Western Force for multiple seasons now.

Prediction
Despite the Tri-colours being unconvincing against Argentina, you’d be brave to tip against them tonight.

France by 13.

Game information

Time: 5:45pm AEST
Venue: Level-5 Stadium
Odds: France $1.03, USA $12.50
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

France
1. Cyril Baille
2. Camille Chat
3. Emerick Setiano
4. Bernard Le Roux
5. Paul Gabrillagues
6. Arthur Iturria
7. Yacouba Camara
8. Louis Picamoles (capt.)
9. Maxime Machenaud
10. Camille Lopez
11. Yoann Huget
12. Gael Fickou
13. Sofiane Guitoune
14. Alivereti Raka
15. Thomas Ramos

Replacements:
16. Guilhem Guirado
17. Jefferson Poirot
18. Rabah Slimani
19. Sebastien Vahaamahina
20. Gregory Alldritt
21. Baptiste Serin
22. Romain Ntamack
23. Maxime Medard

USA
1. Eric Fry
2. Joe Taufetee
3. Titi Lamositele
4. Nate Brakeley
5. Nick Civetta
6. Tony Lamborn
7. Hanco Germishuys
8. Cam Dolan
9. Shaun Davies
10. AJ MacGinty
11. Martin Iosefo
12. Bryce Campbell
13. Marcel Brache
14. Blaine Scully (capt.)
15. Mike Teo

Replacements:
16. Dylan Fawsitt
17. Olive Kilifi
18. Paul Mullen
19. Greg Peterson
20. Ben Pinkelman
21. Ruben de Haas
22. Will Magie
23. Thretton Palamo