Brian Liebenberg showed he only needed a start to prove he could finish as the centre scored a hattrick of tries as France downed the US 41-14 in their final pool match at WIN Stadium.

South African-born Liebenberg, who'd received no game time at the Rugby World Cup until this evening, was a standout in a second string French side that confirmed top spot and maximum points from pool B.

Liebenberg lived up to his reputation as a one man battering ram, snaring the treble while working well with daring fullback Clement Poitrenaud in a comfortable, if at times suitably rusty win.

A controversial selection in the squad at the expense of Thomas Castaignede, the robust Liebenberg gave coach Bernard Laporte some food for thought as to the make up of his bench for next Sunday's quarterfinal.

France will play the loser of this Saturday's match against Ireland and Australia.

With Laporte not starting any of the team that trounced Scotland 51-9 last Saturday, the Tricolores could have been excused for being off key at WIN Stadium..

But the second French XV still managed to entertain with signature panache against a gutsy but ultimately outclassed Eagles side.

After two early penalty goals to five eighth Gerald Merceron and some heavy hands by the rest of the backline, France began to open up in more customary fashion.

Liebenberg scored the first of his three after 14 minutes.

The 106kg midfielder did all that was required after a sweeping backline movement initially orchestrated from a bust by Poitrenaud.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP