No exploit for the French sevens rugby team: first beaten by Ireland (14-12), it then lost against Fiji (29-19) on Saturday during the last stage of the world circuit in Los Angeles, and will therefore not qualify for the quarter-finals.
After their defeat in the first match against Ireland a little earlier, the Blues were obliged to beat the players of the Pacific to hope to come out in the first two of group C.
But the step was too high for the French septists, who only beat Fiji once in 43 group matches. Well launched by a try from Nelson Epée (1st) then another from Jean-Pascal Barraque (3rd), the Blues then conceded five tries.
But their regrets will undoubtedly focus on the first match against Ireland, which was therefore crucial. The French team lost by nothing, only missing a transformation after the test of Pierre Mignot (8th). He then responded to that of Terry Kennedy (3rd). Varian Pasquet then gave the advantage to the Blues (12th), before Chay Mullins answered him in stride (14th), putting Ireland back in the lead (14-12). The score did not change thereafter.
After a first victory against Wales 28 to 12, the Fiji, Olympic champions, continue, just like the Irish: before a meeting to determine which of the two best nations of this group will finish at the head, they crushed the Welsh 46 to 12.
On the night of Saturday to Sunday (2:37), the French will face the Welsh, whom they have beaten in their last four confrontations, for their last group meeting.
Results in Group C:
Ireland – France 14-12
Fiji – Wales 28-12
Ireland – Wales 46-12
Fiji – France 29-19
Group C standings: pts JGP pp pc dif
1. Ireland 6 2 2 0 60 24 36
2. Fiji 6 2 2 0 57 31 26
3. France 2 2 0 2 31 43 -12
4. Wales 2 2 0 2 24 74 -50