France flatten Samoa 

Source: PhotosportSebastien Chabal

France warmed up for their clash against New Zealand by crushing Samoa 43-5 in a one-sided rugby international at Stade de France on Sunday.

Coach Marc Lievremont largely revamped the side that upset world champions South Africa 20-13 last week in Toulouse but that did not stop France from running in seven tries, four of which were converted by scrumhalf Morgan Parra.

"I'm very happy with our performance tonight. I'am also happy to be spoilt for choice before naming the 23-man squad that will face the All Blacks," he told a press conference.

"I started to think about it at halftime because with 33 points on the scoreboard the game was well and truly won but we must not let those two wins go to our head.

"This France team will become a great team when it reaches the status of favourite against the best teams in the world and vindicates it by a series of wins.

"I hope it will come very quickly but we are not there yet and we know the All Blacks will put forward a very strong challenge next Sunday in Marseille."

Samoa, who came close to upsetting Wales last week, losing 17-13 at the Millennium Stadium, were never in contention this time, although they resisted bravely in the second half.

France, who were far too fast, powerful and clever for the visitors, will face a tougher task against the All Blacks next Sunday in Marseille.

France put the pressure early on and led 21-0 after 15 minutes courtesy of tries by hooker Dimitri Szarzewski, winger Vincent Clerc and centre Yannick Jauzion, all converted by Parra.

Samoa were not helped by the fact that fullback Lolo Lui missed two penalties. Flyhalf Fa'atonu Fili took over the goalscoring duties after that but it made no difference.

Thierry Dusautoir scored the fourth try after the French pack marched through a porous Samoan defence, also converted by Parra, and debutant winger Benjamin Fall added a fifth just before halftime.

The second half was more balanced with two more French tries from flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc before substitute lock Iosefa Tekori managed a late consolation try for the visitors.