Tokyo Olympics champion France made short work of Japan, 25-22, 25-22, 25-16, Saturday in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Leg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Frenchmen took advantage of the absence of some key Japanese players that included Yuki Ishikawa and Yuji Nishida, who sat out after a grueling five-setter victory against Italy Friday night.
It was France’s sixth victory in seven outings to remain at the helm with 18 points while Japan skidded to its second loss against five victories for 15 points at third place.
Jean Patry bannered the French attack with 14 points built on 10 kills, three blocks and once ace while Clevenot Trevor added 10 points off nine attacks.
France was all over the place with its solid defense and unstoppable attacks despite the resilient efforts of Japan.
But the Japanese lost its steam in the third and trailing by as many as 18-10 to never recover.
Tatsunori Otsuka led Japan 15 points, all from attacks, while Kenta Takanashi chipped in 13 points.