Jean-Baptiste Gros, Ethan Dumortier, Arthur Vincent… All of them were U20 world champions during the last coronation of Les Bleuets in 2019 and are now preparing for the “big” World Cup. The one that will take place in France, from September 8 to October 28. To these three names, we can add Demba Bamba, Cameron Woki or even Romain Ntamack, crowned in 2018 and present with the XV of France. Impressive throughout the competition, the 2003-2004 generation is not to be outdone and could soon push the doors of the great French team.
At only 20 years old, or sometimes less, several players of this XV of France U20 know the highest level. Starting with the captain of this team. Lenni Nouchi has played 21 games in total this season, including eleven with Montpellier. Six starts in the Top 14 with the MHR and even 40 minutes of play in the Champions Cup. A first concluded with a test. So brilliant throughout the competition, the Hinge has plenty of experience. Baptiste Jauneau was the real revelation of the season on the Clermont side. Always a helmet screwed on his head, the scrum half played… 37 games in total this season. And he knew it all. The former Biarritz Olympique played 24 Top 14 matches, including 10 as a starter, but also four Champions Cup matches and two Challenge Cup matches. Add to that, seven games with the Blueberries. For his part, Hugo Reus has played “only” seven club games this season. But the La Rochelle fly-half can boast of having won the Champions Cup. Holder three times with the No. 10 in the back, he impressed on his first outings in the Top 14. Another “regular” of the French championship: Nicolas Depoortère. The three-quarters played twelve games this season with UBB. An experience that was welcome during this South African World Cup. The French center has scored five tries in five games.
Already a lot of experience for these Bleuets, who already have… 273 Top 14 matches between them. That’s more than any other player under 20 on the planet. If only 30 players are world champions, Sébastien Calvet salutes before the work of a whole group. “We built a team, it was not easy, puts the coach of this young team from France into perspective. We did the Six Nations with a lot of players. And because the best played for their professional club, we tried 47 players during the Six Nations and only 30 for the U20 championship. The choice was difficult because we have a lot of good players in France. And afterwards, with these 30 players, we worked hard little by little until we won this World Cup. Our players are fantastic and I’m very happy with them.”
Some were expected, others were revealed or confirmed. Marko Gazzotti burst the screen during this tournament. Elected player of the final and player of the competition. The number 8 will return to Grenoble next season. Nine games this season with the FCG, for the third line who should play more this season. Same situation for Posolo Tuilagi. The second line played 16 games in total with Perpignan during this 2022-2023 financial year and should settle permanently next season with USAP. Mathis Ferté is also a central element of Brive and will have to confirm next season. For his part, Paul Costes should be brought to show himself. The Toulouse three-quarter will have to take advantage of doublings and the World Cup to make up for the various absences throughout the season. With a special 2023-2024 year, interrupted by the World Cup from the start of the season, these young people will have more opportunities to show themselves.
Many impressed during these three weeks in South Africa but Sébastien Calvet prefers to retain the victory of French rugby in its entirety. “We are very proud because there is a great dynamic, on the part of rugby fans in France, the federation, the big team, Fabien Galthié and his staff, former U20 world champions, claims the coach. of the U20s. We are very happy because I think 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, to play for each other. We are very happy about that. We know that many in France are proud of us and we are very proud of it too.
Impressive with the U20s, these young French people could discover the big French team from 2024. Like Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Emilien Gailleton, present with Fabien Galthié’s group to prepare for the World Cup, several players of the 2003-2004 are brought to discover the XV of France soon. We are thinking in particular of the forwards and the two starting second lines in the final: Hugo Auradou and Posolo Tuilagi, who could come very soon to fill a lack of depth in the Blues. Without forgetting the players on the third line, described as “beautiful and complementary, on and off the field” by coach Sébastien Calvet. Lenni Nouchi and Oscar Jegou as flankers, Marko Gazzotti as a natural replacement for Grégory Alldritt.
Behind, there could be a few places to take as well. Especially in the center. Fabien Galthié has found his magic formula with Jonathan Danty and Gaël Fickou but the two are not infallible, nor eternal. 30 years for the Rochelais, 29 years for the Racingman. Arthur Vincent has a string of injuries, Yoram Moefana is on alternating current and Julien Delbouis fails to win. So Paul Costes, impressive in the final, and Nicolas Depoortère, author of five tries in five games, could be quickly summoned by Fabien Galthié. And this from 2024.
It seems more complicated, however, for Baptiste Jauneau and Hugo Reus. Both running backs have been sparkling but have to face very strong competition. The ASM scrum-half will have to deal with Antoine Dupont, Maxime Lucu, Baptiste Serin and even Nolann Le Garrec. The La Rochelle opener must face Romain Ntamack, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Hastoy and Léo Berdeu. 30 world champions and therefore as many players who can claim the XV of France with, already, the 2027 World Cup in sight.
