The French men’s sevens rugby team, a month after its victory in Los Angeles, lost Sunday against New Zealand (10-7) in the final of the Hong Kong stage of the world circuit.
The Blues held up well defensively in the first half (0-0) before conceding two tries in quick succession in the second act.
That of Varian Pasquet arrived too late, in the last seconds, to allow them to change the match.
This second consecutive final remains a good result for France after the one won at the beginning of March in Los Angeles with the reinforcement of star Antoine Dupont, who was not in Hong Kong this time.
After six of the eight stages of the circuit, the French, with 74 points, remain in fourth place in the general classification behind Argentina (94 pts), Ireland (86 pts) and Fiji (76 pts).
They will aim for a medal this summer at the Paris Olympic Games.
The French women’s team finished just off the podium in Hong Kong after being beaten narrowly by Australia (24-21) in the match for bronze.
Outgoing Olympic vice-champions, the Bleues, with 88 points, occupy third place in the general ranking behind New Zealand and Australia, both at 106 points.
The next stage will take place in Singapore from May 3 to 5 and the grand finale in Madrid from May 31 to June 2.