What fireworks! The France rugby team under 20 (U20) won the World Cup on Friday July 14 by largely dominating Ireland (50-14) in the final. This is his third title in a row after 2018 and 2019, before the Covid pandemic canceled subsequent editions. Thanks to this victory, obtained in Cape Town (South Africa) on National Day, France joined New Zealand on the list of crowned teams three times in a row (New Zealand won four titles between 2008 and 2011) .
Above all, these Bleuets, authors of 36 tries in this World Cup, show the way to their elders from the XV of France, less than two months from the World Cup at home (September 8 – October 28). “I think we realized our history. We said to ourselves from the start that it was ours and that we were going to go all the way. We did it “reacted the third line of Grenoble Marko Gazzotti, voted best player of the tournament. ” After,if it can inspire the “big guys” and they also win their own World Cup, it would be perfect for French rugby”.
The success of French training
This performance, obtained thanks to seven tries, wipes out their second place in the Six Nations Tournament behind these same Irish, authors of a Grand Slam, who had narrowly beaten them (31-33). “We are very happy because the players played very well. But above all, it was above all the spirit they had throughout the competition: humility, respect for the opponent, fighting spirit, playing for each other.rejoiced their manager Sébastien Calvet, who directed the training center of Agen, a reference.
The Bleuets course demonstrates the great value of French-style training, but also the benefits of “Jiff rule” (young people from French training) in the championship. Since 2010-2011, it has required French clubs to field an average of at least 16 young people from training courses per match sheet at the end of the season. These young people with remarkable physical qualities are thus supervised and followed in a long-term work, since they are cadets, by teams of technicians and trainers.
“This title first rewards all amateur clubs and volunteers”welcomed the French Federation (FFR), referring to the roles “major” of the National Technical Directorate (DTN) and the National League (LNR), at the origin of the reform of the Jiffs which “by giving our young people playing time in these championships, allows them to prepare as well as possible for the high level”.
Gazzotti, Tuilagi, Depoortere: names to remember
As in the semi-final against England, the teammates of Lenni Nouchi, an exemplary captain, were coldly picked off by the Irish, before taking the match on their own, especially in the second half, then taking off. “It’s just incredible, we didn’t expect to play a game like that, reacted Lenni Nouchi. We took it by the right end and we didn’t let go. These are emotions that will remain for life in our memories and in our hearts..
During this competition, in which the Bleuets won all the matches with the offensive bonus and which they said they experienced in a very good-natured, even schoolboy atmosphere, certain players stood out. Son of the former Samoan international Henry Tuilagi, the second line of Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi, as powerful (1.94 m, 149 kg) as mobile, has made a name for himself. As for the third row, made up of Montpellier Lenni Nouchi, Rochelais Oscar Jégou and Marko Gazzotti, it made its power and efficiency speak for itself.
And what about the hinge, impeccable, formed by the scrum half of Clermont Baptiste Jauneau and the opener of La Rochelle Hugo Reus, imperial at the foot and best director of this World Cup (60 points), but also from the center of Bordeaux- Bègles Nicolas Depoortère, the best try scorer in the competition (5) or the back of Brive Mathis Ferté, author of a double on July 14. Names to remember, which will shine in the Top 14 from the start of the school year.
In the meantime, their former captain, Émilien Gailleton, who turned 20 on July 13, hopes to be able to shine with the XV of France. Best try scorer in the Top 14 for his first season in the elite, the center of Pau, trained in Agen, was called up by coach Fabien Galthié to be one of the 42 players preparing for the 2023 World Cup. ‘“UFO”he still has to earn his place in the final list of 33 selected players.
