A largely reshuffled France showed a worrying lack of discipline and a certain nonchalance as it labored to a 27-12 victory against an inspired Uruguay in its second World Cup game on Thursday.
Fabien Galthie's choice to make 12 changes from the team that beat three-time champion New Zealand in the opening game on Sept. 9 nearly backfired, as France was never fully in control at Pierre Mauroy Stadium, and only secured the win in the final minutes.
France prevailed with tries by Antoine Hastoy, Peato Mauvaka and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, with the rest of the points coming from the boot of the reliable Melvyn Jaminet.