Easy win for France in Student World Cup opener
August 3, 2000

Defending champions Fance have begun the defence of the Student World Cup title with a convincing victory over hosts Italy.

Italy began the game well with two penalties from Simone Franchini giving them a 6-0 lead. France responded towards the end of the half with a try from Mathieu Dourthe that was converted by Alexandre Peclier,who also added a penalty to make the half-time score 10-6.

In the second half tries from Dourthe again, Benjamin Boyet, Olivier Milloud and captain Nicholas Spanghero along with three conversions by Peclier
and a penalty by Boyet put the game out of reach for the Italians.

South Africa's blushes were saved by a last minute try from captain Fergus Pringle. His score gave them victory over a strong Russian side who were all set to celebrate an 8-8 draw with their illustrious opponents.

The Russians took the lead with a first half try from Retcnev but the Springboks levelled in the second half with a try from Michael Laubscher. A penalty from South Africa's Van Der Westhuizen gave them the advantage before the Russians drew level again through Joukov.

The big surprise of the day was Japan's 30-23 victory over Wales. Tries from Jonathan Young, Darril Williams and Gareth Chapman, and two penalties and a conversion from Simon Daniel were not enough to surpass a determined Japanese side.

The boot of Toru Kurihara proved decisive for Japan as he kicked five penalties and scored one try which he also converted. A try from Yasuhiko Iwama and a drop by Fuchigami rounded of their scoring.

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