2023-06-29 14:00:00
The French had started the World Cup -20 years with a very wide victory, last Saturday against the Japanese (75-12). They continued it with a capital success, this Thursday at Paarl gymnasium, against New Zealand U20, swept away by formidable Blueberries of efficiency (35-14). Offensive bonus at stake, with five tries scored.
With ten points in the standings in two days, the France U20 team has had its fill. However, it is not yet officially qualified because it can still be caught by Wales. It will therefore be necessary to beat the Welsh, Tuesday July 4 in Athlone (4.30 p.m.), to validate a very well underway qualification.
Tuilagi’s show of force, Attsisogbe’s inspirations
In a match played in the rain, transforming the rustic Paarl stadium into a quagmire over the minutes, the Bleuets built their success in the 1st period, on a field that was still green. With three tries before the break, the first by right winger Théo Attisogbe from the 9th minute.
The Section Paloise player also delivered a decisive pass for scrum half Baptiste Jauneau, author of the third try shortly before the break (32nd), who was already killing the suspense (21-0).
Meanwhile, the overpowering 2nd line of Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi had won everything in its path, including the New Zealand defense, on a penal’touche (14-0, 22nd).
The last of the Tuilagi siblings did it again at the start of the 2nd period, for a fourth try (still in force) synonymous with an offensive bonus from the 44th minute.
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Indiscipline and robust defense
The 2nd period will have been much more laborious… it is true played on a very greasy ground, at the limit of the practicable. Often reduced to defending, Lenni Nouchi’s partners conceded four tries: two refused on video (foot in touch from Clark, 40th; elbow in front of Springer on Attisogbe, 53rd); and two validated by the referee: a penalty try (depressed scrum, 58th) then a second from the flanker Lakai (65th).
It must be said that the French were then reduced to 14 (the scrum half Jauneau, 52nd) then to 13 (the center Paul Costes, 57th). Two yellow cards which complicated the task of the Blueberries… but reinforced their ardor to defend.
A fervor finally rewarded with a fifth and last try, signed by the 2nd line Brent Liufau (in force), after a new huge charge from Tuilagi (35-14, 68th). The symbol of the athletic domination of the French over the Baby Blacks… yet not the first comers.
Gazzotti still lasted 80 minutes
Two regionals participated in this French victory in the form of a feat – New Zealand U20 had lost only eleven times in 61 games in the history of the World Cup under 20 years. For his first selection in the world, the Savoyard pillar Zaccharie Affane lasted 52 minutes, as the right pillar, before giving way to the Clermontois Duchene, overcome by fatigue.
As for Marko Gazzotti, he played his second 80-minute match in four days. The number 8 of FC Grenoble – who gritted his teeth in the 2nd period to stay at the physical level – mainly focused on defensive tasks and supporting the attacks of his partners.
With 157 successful tackles (for 19 missed), against 82 for the New Zealanders (11 missed), the French first shone with their valiant defense. Even if the final score also shows all their offensive gear.
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