2023-10-09 06:00:00
Find the latest news from the World Cup and the French XV, which will face South Africa in the quarter-finals in six days.
Blues news
Returning to their base camp at Rueil-Malmaison on Saturday afternoon, the Blues enjoyed two days of rest before getting back to work this Monday noon. A press briefing will take place at 2 p.m. Furthermore, Antoine Dupont has an appointment this Monday, in Toulouse, with Professor Lauwers who operated on him for a broken jaw on September 22. The latter will say if the captain of the Blues can fully return to training and participate in the quarter-final against the Springboks. The FFR should communicate on the possibility of its return immediately. Next Sunday (9 p.m.), at the Stade de France, the Blues will challenge the reigning world champion, South Africa, for a place in the semi-final. After a well-controlled group phase, the XV of France begins a decisive week.
Today’s statement
“We are exactly where we wanted to be, at the head of the group. Now it’s New Zealand. We’re going to get ready. We wanted to win the group, we don’t choose our opponent afterwards. New Zealand is the biggest challenge in rugby and they often give their best under pressure. It will be a complicated match, a bit like revenge for them.” These words are from Jonathan Sexton, the legend of Ireland who made a strong impression against Scotland (36-14), Saturday at the Stade de France, to handily win Pool B. The day before France-Africa from the South, this clash between the Irish and New Zealanders promises to be daunting (Saturday 9 p.m.). The XV of Clover, winner in New Zealand in July 2022 (32-22) has never qualified for a World Cup semi-final in its history. Perhaps the time has finally come to defeat the Indian sign, against the most legendary nation in rugby.
Today’s stat: 51%
Before its resounding victory against Italy (60-7), the French XV had the best percentage of balls carried which gained meters in the competition, i.e. 51.2%, just ahead of the Nazionale (49.6% ). A figure reinforced, undoubtedly, by the total domination of the Blues against the Italians in Lyon. Before challenging the physical power of South Africa, the French forwards did not disappoint in the group stage. In the quarter-final, Grégory Aldritt and his partners will have to raise their level further to win the trench warfare announced against the Springboks pack.
Tweet of the day
Following in the footsteps of Andy Farrell’s team, the Irish supporters also impressed the competition. Coming in tens of thousands to the Stade de France – they were estimated at 60,000 against Scotland – the fans of the XV du Trèfle sang the famous “Zombie” of the Cranberries a cappella during the match. A magnificent moment of communion which says a lot about the osmosis of the Irish people with their selection. For at least another week, Paris will see green everywhere in its streets. And will hear singing, obviously.
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