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Liebenberg treble in French sweep

Liebenberg on his way to a hat-trick of tries against the U.S.
Liebenberg on his way to a hat-trick of tries against the U.S.

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WOLLONGONG, Australia -- South Africa-born Brian Liebenberg scored three tries as France's second string beat a spirited United States 41-14 in their Rugby World Cup pool B finale.

He crossed twice inside the first 18 minutes and grabbed a third try midway through the second half as France racked up a fourth big win ahead of a quarterfinal against Ireland or Australia.

The U.S. beat Japan earlier in the week to end a 16-year losing streak at the World Cup.

But they trailed 26-0 at the break against the French, later scoring tries through lock Kort Schubert and flyhalf Mike Hercus.

France imposed their authority from the outset, winning three early tighthead scrums to take control of the forward battle, and provided the backs with enough time and space to launch attacking raids.

Flyhalf Gerald Merceron opened the scoring with two early penalties before outside centre Liebenberg crossed for the opening try in the 14th minute.

Fullback Clement Poitrenaud made the initial break, then swung the ball left for Liebenberg to dive over in the left corner.

He scored again four minutes later in almost identical position when France won a scrum against the feed and slipped the ball out to give him a free run to the line.

A try from tighthead prop Jean Baptiste Poux and a late penalty from Merceron left the Europeans in full command.

The U.S. began the second half strongly, scoring two quick tries only to let the French hit back on each occasion.

Schubert charged over two minutes after the re-start when he ran on to a clever short pass from Hercus but France replied six minutes later when Liebenberg crossed for his third.

Hercus scored America's second try when he fooled the defence with a dummy -- but again France responded straight away with a try from captain and hooker Yannick Bru.

Yachvili kicked a neat left-footed drop goal from the base of a ruck 17 minutes from time to complete the rout.


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