The French under-20 rugby team, known as the Bleuets, faced a heartbreaking defeat against New Zealand's Baby Blacks in the race for the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Cup in South Africa. Despite a promising start, the Bleuets were narrowly beaten by a final penalty from Simpson after the siren, resulting in a 26-27 loss.
The match saw the French team initially dominate, with fullback Xan Mousques scoring the first try and a series of penalties from Hugo Reus giving them an 11-0 lead at halftime. However, the New Zealanders came back stronger in the second half, capitalizing on the French team's mistakes and wasted opportunities.
The Baby Blacks' comeback included tries from Tuivailala and Solomon, putting the French under significant pressure. Despite a valiant effort from players like Quere Karaba and Mathis Ferté, the Bleuets could not maintain their lead, and a final penalty awarded after a video review sealed their fate.
This defeat is a significant setback for the Bleuets, who now must win decisively against Wales to keep their hopes alive for the semi-finals. The team needs to secure a bonus-point victory to qualify as either the group leader or the best second-placed team.
Coach Sébastien Calvet and captain Hugo Reus emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Wales, describing it as a turning point in their competition. The team aims to demonstrate greater rigor and discipline, particularly in the ground game, to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
- The French team's initial performance against Spain in their first group match was promising, with a 49-12 victory. However, the match against New Zealand highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in maintaining discipline and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
- Last year's group stage saw the Bleuets defeat the Baby Blacks 35-14, thanks to a standout performance from Posolo Tuilagi. This year's team, however, faced tougher conditions and a more resilient New Zealand side.
- The upcoming match against Wales is crucial for the Bleuets' chances in the tournament. The team is focused on improving their precision and maintaining concentration throughout the game to avoid the pitfalls that led to their defeat against New Zealand.
- Coach Calvet's decision to start Mathis Castro Ferreira, who recently joined the team after celebrating Toulouse's championship title, reflects the team's commitment to fielding their best players in this critical match.
