The France U20 team has lost only one game this season. On February 11, 2023 in Cork, the Bleuets fell by two points against Ireland (33-31) for the 3rd day of the Six Nations Tournament. Five months later, the two teams meet in the final of the Junior World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa (Friday, 7:00 p.m.). And there is no doubt that the teammates of captain Lenni Nouchi will be animated by a feeling of revenge, even if the Montpellier third-line specifies in a press conference that “it is not the same competition”. “Ireland are European champions, we want to be world champions.”
“We” is therefore this group of 30 boys born in 2003 and 2004, led by Sébastien Calvet and his staff to conquer a third consecutive world crown after 2018 and 2019, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions having been cancelled. “Full of great players”, in the words of the manager, “humble guys” ready to take over from Mathis Lebel, Louis Carbonel, Ethan Dumortier and other Arthur Vincent who triumphed in 2019 and are now regularly called up with the “greats” of the XV of France. But if there is pressure, it has “nothing to do with the two previous titles”, assures Lenni Nouchi. “It’s our story, that of 2003-2004. Our result.”
The story started with a full house in the group stage, with three victories in three matches, including one of prestige against the Baby Blacks (35-14). This was followed by a river success in the semi-final against England (52-31) last Sunday. With an average of more than 50 points per game since the start of the competition, the Bleuets are bringing “French flair” to its peak, while relying on a solid package of forwards. With, as a figurehead, the Perpignanese Posolo Tuilagui. Enough to create an unprecedented but welcome enthusiasm around this spectacular team. “We remain united, confides the captain. Of course we read the articles that come out. When it’s positive, we’re all happy. It pushes us to do better. We laugh about it and it continues to live well.
From Wednesday, Sébastien Calvet and his men stopped responding to requests to immerse themselves in their bubble, and prepare for the deadline as well as possible. The match in Ireland in February served as a working basis, because Friday’s game could look like it. “Ireland is working on continuity. There will be no surprises as far as they are concerned, neither will we, assures the manager of the Bleuets. It will be a duel project against project, efficiency against efficiency.” Emphasis was placed in particular on camp outings, but also discipline, which had been expensive at the time with a penalty collected at the very end of the match. “It is a very effective nation at the level of contact. They will try to blame us. Players are warned. It will be a key element to win the final.”
We must not give in to any provocations from the camp opposite, and keep our cool in all circumstances. This was the case against the English, despite a few clashes without which the Crunch would lose its flavor. “We are revengeful, there will be animosity,” warns Lenni Nouchi. His coach confirms: “Ireland are a proud people, they will give their all and so will we. There will be beautiful sparks.”
The fifteen victorious holders of England were renewed. The only change to note is on the bench, with the presence of three backs against only two in the semi-finals. Back from injury, center Arthur Mathiron takes the place of third-row Andy Timo. “Our pair of centers played a lot (Nicolas Deporteere and Paul Costes, editor’s note). We therefore needed a replacement business centre, explains Sébastien Calvet to justify this choice. We think Ireland will rush us a lot with footwork. At the end of the competition, energy is vital, we are going to run a lot and it will be important to have some juice in the 75th. Of course, the staff discussed it with Andy Timo, sacrificed. But the youngster from Massy will surely have the opportunity to taste a World Cup finals again. “We especially have a thought for 2003. It’s their last World Cup with us. But no qualms about the 2004, they will come back next year, “says his trainer.
On Friday, the fifteen incumbents will have the particular mission of starting the match better than the last two. Against Wales and then against England, points had been conceded from the outset, even if the team was able to demonstrate an excellent ability to react. “The most important thing is how it ends,” claims Lenni Nouchi.
Ferté – Drouet, Depoortere, Costes, Atissogbé – Reus, Jauneau – Jégou, Gazzotti, Nouchi (cap.) – Tuilagi, Auradou – Affane, Jouvin, Penverne
Subs: Lacombre, Julien, Duchene, Liufau, Castro-Ferreira, Carbonneau, Mathiron, Mondinat
