French Rugby 7s Teams Shine in Cape Town Tournament
The French rugby 7s teams showcased remarkable performances at the Cape Town tournament, with both the men's and women's teams reaching the semi-finals. The men's team, known as the Blues, achieved a thrilling victory against Fiji in the semi-finals, winning 19-17 despite being reduced to six players due to a yellow card. The match began with a strong start from the Blues, featuring a try from young Toulouse player Pouzelgues, followed by another from Delamare. However, a yellow card for Paulin Riva allowed Fiji to level the score at 12-12. The Blues displayed resilience, with Simon Désert scoring a crucial try and Artaud sealing the victory with a drop goal.
In contrast, the French women's team also made headlines, defeating the United States 50-12 in their opening match and advancing to the semi-finals where they faced New Zealand. Despite their strong start, they were ultimately defeated by the All-Blacks with a score of 28-12. The women's team had previously struggled in Dubai, but their performance in Cape Town marked a significant turnaround.
Historic Victory and Future Challenges
The men's team had a historic moment earlier in the tournament, achieving their largest victory ever against New Zealand, winning 47-15. This victory set the stage for their semi-final clash against Fiji, where they demonstrated their skill and determination. The Blues will now face South Africa in the final, while the women's team aims to regroup after their loss to New Zealand. Both teams have shown great potential and resilience, promising exciting future matches in the HSBC Seven Series.
