The victory and the coronation for the Blueberries. Sébastien Calvet’s players made short work of Ireland (50-14) this Friday, in Cape Town, in the final of the Under-20 World Cup. Already crowned in 2018 and 2019, they therefore allow France to maintain its place at the top of world rugby in this age category. Seven tricolor tries in this ultimately one-sided meeting, even if Ireland scored the first seven points (0-7) and led 14-10 before suffering the law of the XV of France.
The Irish started the game with a bang by depriving the Bleuets of the ball. A domination quickly materialized by the try of scrum half Fintan Gunne as a trickster (4th). Subsequently the French were able to react as against the English in the semi-finals and in particular thanks to the initiative of Paul Costes who monopolized three defenders before Ferté went to score the first French try between the posts ( 14th).
The crossover continued after a second Irish try from John Devine (31st), answered immediately by the pillar Lino Julien (35th) who had replaced Louis Penverne at short notice in the morning.
In the lead 17-14 when returning to the locker room, the Bleuets started the second period full throttle by scoring two tries in quick succession after a period of total domination, thanks to Jouvin (43rd) then Depoortere (45th). Taking advantage of the numerical inferiority of Ireland after the yellow card received by the left pillar Paddy McCarthy (39th).
The rest was only a formality and Sébastien Calvet’s men did not concede any more points until the end. They continued with three more tries thanks to a double from Ferté (70th), captain Nouchi (75th) and finally Léo Drouet (79th).
Les Bleuets led the way for Fabien Galthié’s XV de France who will try to do as well in France for the 2023 World Cup, from September 8.
