Fiji overcome red card to beat France in tense IDRC thriller and take control of Pool B

Fiji have taken a giant step towards the knockout stages of the 2025 International Defence Rugby Competition after a comeback win over the reigning champions from France.

A bunch of ill-discipline issues and a strong French team led to the champions leading 18-7 at half-time.

However, Fiji roared back into the game and won 29-23 despite Vive Sikisawana's red card.

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The first 35 minutes were France's best of the tournament as a focused physical tactic paid dividends. Two penalties from their captain, Melissa Bergeron, gave them the perfect start before Fanny Camus delivered a converted try.

Fiji hit back through Susana Railumu's converted try but, immediately, the French took advantage of a fortunate bounce to extend their lead through Julie Del Corral.

The second half saw a different Fiji performance, and they were back in the game within minutes. Priscilla Siata and Sikisawana both dived over the line to reduce the French advantage to just one point.

That's when Sikisawana was dismissed for consistent high tackles, but Fiji would not let this slip. Elenoa Naimata scored the key try, and Fiji will qualify for the knockout stages if Australia or France fail to win any of their remaining pool games.