France U20 Prepares for Crucial Clash Against New Zealand
The France U20 rugby team, also known as the Bleuets, is gearing up for their second group match in the U20 World Cup on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, South Africa. After a dominant victory against Spain (49-12), the three-time reigning world champions (2018, 2019, 2023) have climbed to the top of Pool A with 5 points, including an offensive bonus. The team is determined to secure their lead and qualify for the semi-finals.
The competition is fierce, with only the top team from each of the three groups and the best second-placed team advancing to the final phases. Hugo Reus, the captain of the Bleuets, emphasized the significance of the upcoming match: 'We know that this match is a turning point in our competition and that we should not miss it. Playing Black requires a lot of concentration. In training, we already feel much more precision.'
Key Players and Match Details
The New Zealand 'Baby Blacks' are also at the top of their group, having secured 5 points with an offensive bonus after a victory against Wales (41-34). The French team will need to win the match or at least obtain a defensive bonus point. France boasts the third-best attack and defense in the competition. In the previous edition, the French team defeated New Zealand 35-14 in the group stage. Coach Sébastien Calvet is relying on experienced players like captain Hugo Reus and Mathis Castro-Ferreira, a recent Top 14 winner with Stade Toulouse, to lead the charge.
The match will be broadcast on the L'Equipe channel and can also be followed live with commentary on the Figaro.fr website. The final day of the group stages will see France face Wales on July 9.
The composition of the France U20 team includes: Mousques (Bayonne); Bollengier (La Rochelle), Brau-Boirie (Pau), Belaubre (Clermont), Ferté (Brive); Reus (cap.) (La Rochelle), Carbonneau (Brive); Malaterre (Brive), Castro-Ferreira (Toulouse), Quere Karaba (Toulon); Kante Samba (La Rochelle), Mézou (Toulon); Aouad (Bordeaux-Bègles), Massa (Clermont), Julien (Racing 92).
- Title holders, the Bleuets got off to a good start at the Under-20 World Championship last Saturday in Cape Town, South Africa. The teammates of Hugo Reus, the scorer and player from La Rochelle, largely beat Spain (49-12) for their entry into the competition. Barnabé Massa, the ex-Grenoble player and future Clermontois, stood out in particular by scoring a double.
- But this Thursday, the Bleuets will play an almost final before time. The men of Sébastien Calvet (the team manager) will challenge the New Zealand 'Baby Blacks'. The latter are announced as the main competitors for the world crown. The New Zealanders remain on a short success against Wales on the first day (34-41).
- Where and when to watch the meeting? The clash between the young French and New Zealanders will take place this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the L'Equipe channel. The match will also be followed live with commentary on the Figaro.fr website.
