A point. A cruel little point. Like its counterpart in the French XV last Sunday against the Springboks, the French wheelchair rugby team narrowly lost to Canada (50-51) this Saturday in the semi-final of the International Cup, and is forced to forget her dreams of world glory. But the Blues can still be proud. Facing an impressive North American team, professional unlike the Blues, and in front of hundreds of particularly noisy supporters, they competed perfectly for 32 minutes, offering a stifling end to the match.
“We had a boost of energy at the end of the match,” confirmed French top scorer Jonathan Hivernat after the match. They were a little on top in the middle of the game but we managed to gain the upper hand afterwards, it was nothing. » This suspense had the merit of reviving the atmosphere. While the Blues were chasing the score since the third quarter, a final interception 90 seconds from time ignited the public at the Halle Carpentier, who regained hope. However, it was not enough to turn the tide of the match and offer the France team a first international final.
Drums, Peña Baiona and Marseillaises
However, the result is already historic for the French, who had never reached this stage of competition on a global level. The match for third place, scheduled for tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. at the Accor Hôtel Arena (12th arrondissement) before the Canada-Australia final (7 p.m.), could also be. Because ten months before the Paralympic Games, a medal in such a tournament would be a very good omen. Nearly 8,000 people are expected at Bercy, enough to raise the mood even further.
Canada brings down our Blues for a small point!
The French team will aim for bronze in the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup tomorrow on @lequipe Live – the grand final will be live on the L’Équipe channel. pic.twitter.com/AxkXpKE0U8
— the L’Équipe channel (@lachainelequipe) October 21, 2023
However, the supporters were already very numerous this Saturday at the Georges-Carpentier hall (13th century). In total, nearly a thousand people came to support the Blues. And they didn’t hide. As soon as the two teams entered, the volume went up a notch. Drums, a “Peña Baiona” and “Les Yeux d’Émilie” first reminded us that we were indeed watching a rugby match. The Marseillaise, sung a cappella by the French fans, waving blue-white-red flags, finished setting the scene.
Well installed at the top of the stand, with his rooster on his head and his horns in his hand, Christian, a member of the French Federation of Rugby Supporters, sang songs throughout the meeting. “I came from Alsace with friends from Lille, Mâcon and all over France,” he says. We had already done the European Championships last year and we liked it so we wanted to come back this year. There are a lot more people this year, we manage to set the room on fire, it’s great. The players deserve it. »
“A great rehearsal for next summer”
Unaccustomed to this enthusiasm, the players enjoyed it after the meeting. They also enjoyed a long time with their supporters after the final whistle, completing a historically slow lap of honor. “The atmosphere was crazy, it was exceptional,” rejoiced Corentin Le Guen. Already in 2022 for the European Championships. There, it’s even better and we hope that tomorrow, at Bercy, it will be the fire to support us. We’re going to need the 5th man to beat Japan. » A feat already achieved this Friday during the last match of the group stage (50-49).
But in addition to bronze, a victory could offer the Blues a favorite for the medal in ten months, at the Grand Palais Éphémère, where the wheelchair rugby tournament of the Paralympic Games will be played. “At the last World Championship, we lost by ten or fifteen points against Canada,” recalls Corentin Le Guen. There, we lose by one point, we do not deserve anything. I think now other nations will be afraid of us. We will continue to work but we are very confident and we are in a hurry to be at the Paris Games to show that we are present. »
Sixth in the world rankings, the French should take advantage of this great result to move up to fourth place and get closer to the Paralympic podium. They still have almost a year to refine their game and refine their tactics. A weekly video analysis session is planned for this purpose. Monthly gatherings too. “This tournament is a great rehearsal for next summer, that’s for sure,” confirms Jonathan Hivernat, Stade Toulouse handisport player. We have reached a milestone, and we will continue to do so. » The British, reigning Olympic champions and eliminated in the group phase this week, have been warned.
