Finally… After four years of absence due to health restrictions, the Under-20 Rugby World Cup is back. Double defending champion (2018 and 2019), France entered their competition very well this Saturday in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The teammates of Clermont scrum-half Baptiste Jauneau crushed Japan (75-12), with 11 tries to 2 (doubled from Depoortere and Gazzotti, tries from Reus, Zenzen, Capilla, Ferté, Carbonneau, Liufau, Timo).
Les Bleuets were already leading 28-0 after 16 minutes of play, and 42-7 at the break, despite two yellow cards received by Deporteere (32nd) and Capilla (39th). With six changes at half-time, the score being acquired, the second period was more sluggish. But the executives were able to save some juice for Thursday’s clash against New Zealand.
Sébastien Calvet’s men will finish the group stage on July 4 against Wales. The first of each of the three groups and the best second will play the semi-finals.
Gailleton and Bielle-Biarrey already among the big ones
Even deprived of three-quarters Émilien Gailleton (Pau) and Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Union Bordeaux-Bègles), retained for the preparation of the “big” World Cup with the XV of France, the young Tricolores are among the big favorites to their succession.
Especially since they will be able to count against the Baby Blacks on the reinforcement of the very solid 2nd line of Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi (1.92 m, 145 kg), a time blocked in the country by a visa problem and who could not arrive only Friday in South Africa.