Rugby: The Blueberries kick off the World Cup perfectly by energizing Japan

Bleuets are steady waiting for Baby Blacks. Double title holders France launched their Under-20 World Cup finals on Saturday in Stellenbosch, with both feet on the gas pedal and hands on the candy dispenser. On the basis of brilliant collective movements, the French entrapped Eleven tries in Japan (75-12), including three in the first 10 minutes of the match. Nicholas Deporteri’s center stood out especially by attacking the opponent’s line. He scored two goals, as did Marco Gazzotti in the third row.

Hugo Reus and Clement Mondinat had a lot of work to do to turn all these tests around. Facing a team made up largely of college players, the Beloites did not hesitate. They turned this match into a perfect preparation to tackle one of the scarecrows of the competition: New Zealand. While the Blacks have won six of the event’s 12 editions since 2008, France have denied them the title since 2017, winning in 2018 and 2019.

But the New Zealanders still looked dangerous and strong in the well-negotiated warm-up matches. On the heels of the French win, they had a date with Wales, the fourth team in Group A of the tournament played in South Africa. They will have a lot to do to match the French goal average. For the Blueberries, the real test will take place on June 29, against the other favorite in their group.