“There was an interception,we were regrouping then saw the images on the big screen and we understood,” flanker Charles Ollivon said.
“It was late and to the head so it was quite clear. These things happen unfortunately,but we stayed concentrated and went forward straight away. You don’t have time to ponder things unfortunately.”
France next face Italy in Pool A on October 6.
Les Bleus were leading 54-0 at half-time and Dupont could have been put on ice but Galthie defended his choice to keep him on the pitch.
“What do you want me to say? You can’t change 15 players at half-time. We planned to change No.1,No.3 and 5 at half-time and rotate around 55 per cent (of the team),” he said.
“The role of this game was to give people game time.”
Louis Bielle-Biarrey runs in one of France’s 14 tries in front of a raucous Marseille crowd.Credit:AP
Dupont and almost all the usual starters had been rested for France’s second game,which they won 27-12 against Uruguay.
He reverted to his ‘premium’ team for Thursday’s game and the side delivered,scoring 14 tries as they routed the opposition.
Winger Damian Penaud touched down three times,becoming the first French player with at last a try in six consecutive Tests.
“He has proven his potential today. This evening was a special game,” said Galthie.
“The players stayed concentrated and played as a team. Damien came into this group,he was given space.”
France did not take anything for granted against an embarrassingly weak Namibia side.
“We wanted to play the game,we didn’t think it would necessarily go this way,” said Ollivon.
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“We worked during the week on finding space and we were effective in that area but this is collective work to create space out wide.
“When we were 54-0 up,staying serious and committed is what brought us this record score.”
Reuters
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