France began their World Cup campaign with a scare after rallying to a late 47-21 win over Japan.

Les Blues got off to a quick start, with two tries in the first 10 minuutes. Fly-half James Arlidge responded with three points for Japan, before Dimitri Yachvili converted two penalties to extend France's lead.

Another three points, late in the first half, set Arlidge up to lead Japan's second-half comeback through another penalty and a try to reduce France's lead to four points.

However, another Yachvili penalty after 67 minutes began a French rally that included tries from Pascal Pape, Morgan Parra and Lionel Nallet to build their late 26-point lead.

France will go on to face Canada on Sunday, September 18.