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| ** French admit relief after Japan scare  |
Julien Bonnaire (C) of France is tackled by Ryan Nicholas (L) and Michael Leitch (R) of Japan during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between France and Japan at North Harbour Stadium on September 10, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.
(September 9, 2011 - Photos by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)
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France survived a second-half scare from Japan before sealing a 47-21 victory in their Pool A match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.
The Brave Blossoms frustrated the French with some dazzling, free-flowing rugby that was superbly orchestrated by their half backs, Fumiaki Tanaka and James Arlidge, with the latter earning all his side's points.
Even France assistant coach Emile Ntamack later conceded that his players were feeling the strain, saying: "We came back at the end of the game, but we were under pressure."
Japan's New Zealand coach John Kirwan said his players just lacked the intensity to pull off one of the first shocks of the tournament.
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William Servat of France is closed down by the Japan defense
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match highlights video:
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next tests for Japan & France:
9-16
Japan v NZ
Hamilton
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9-18
France v Canada
Napier
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