France's center Nicolas Depoortere fights for the ball with Fiji's center Josua Tuisova during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match in Bordeaux, France on November 15, 2025. ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP
Center Nicolas Depoortere scored twice as France bounced back from defeat to South Africa by holding off spirited Fiji 34-21 in the Autumn Nations Series in Bordeaux on Saturday, November 15. France had led 21-0 after 20 minutes with youngster Depoortere opening the scoring before Julien Marchand and Charles Ollivon extended France's lead, with Thomas Ramos converting all three tries.
An upset was on the cards after Fiji came storming back with scores from Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada and Jiuta Wainiqolo, alongside three Simione Kuruvoli conversions, bringing them level just after half-time. But after two Ramos penalties, Depoortere's second try sealed the victory for France, a week on from a humbling loss to the four-time Rugby World Cup winners which drew criticism for head coach Fabien Galthié. Les Bleus finish their year by hosting Australia in Paris next Saturday while Fiji head to Spain.
"What's important was to win," Galthié told French television channel TF1. "When you start the season at home with a loss, it's difficult. "It was a victory against an opponent we feared. "We will be better next week," he added.
