The Red Rose face Les Bleus on October 12 in a game which is likely to decide top spot in Group C.
France boss Jaques Brunel paid Jones the compliment of saying they would copy England’s style against the USA.
But instead they came up with constant penalties and handling errors as they took until deep in the second half to see off the overwhelming underdogs.
France scored first-half tries through wings Yoann Huget and Alivereti Raka but gave away eight penalties – allowing Dublin-born Sale fly-half AJ MacGinty to keep the US within six points.
Squad skipper Guilhem Guirado was sent on at the break to try and lift Les Bleus.
But it was the US heroes who began best after the restart and they managed the first score.
Sharks ace MacGinty added another penalty with 15 to play to leave his side within shot of a stunning triumph.
France, however, eventually showed their class as a three-minute double salvo from Gael Fickou and Baptiste Serin saw them break clear and secure the bonus-point.
And Jefferson Poirot added a final nail in the US coffin as the five-try scoreline shone favourably on a dismal French effort.
JAMIE ROBERTS thinks France can still compete.
If the Wales great believes, so do I.
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) October 2, 2019
FULL TIME: FRANCE 33 USA 9
The conversation is the final touch as France keep their 100 per cent record alive.
Relief for Les Bleus.
TRY: FRANCE 33 USA 9
Jefferson Poirot detects a gap and France have a fifth try.
The score is harsh on the USA, who have struggled to keep up the pace for 80 minutes.
THE game has lost some of its sting since that double score.
England will fancy their chances of topping Pool C on this display.
TRY: FRANCE 26 USA 9
The French have been made to work but finally break loose thanks to Baptiste Serin.
Questions will still be asked after the bonus-point win.
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