2023-08-17 14:33:24
In casual dress on the bench Nicolas Batum displays a broad smile. The captain of the Blues, spared by the staff, had a peaceful match. Calm. The good series continues for France. One week before the start of the World Championship – on August 25 against Canada in Jakarta, Indonesia – Vincent Collet’s players are continuing to gain momentum. Carried by the power of Rudy Gobert (16 points and 9 rebounds), they won (70-88), this Thursday, against Japan in an Ariake Arena in Tokyo – where the French volleyball team was crowned champion Olympic in 2021 – busy (14,000 spectators).
This is their 6th success in as many matches during their preparation for the World Cup. The 7th and last test, Sunday, against Australia, candidate for the world podium, promises to be more undecided but will undoubtedly give more indications to the tricolor staff on the level of the team.
After its success against Tunisia (93-36), Montenegro (80-69), Venezuela (86-67) and Lithuania (90-72 then 76-70), France therefore experienced no difficulty to get rid of Japanese limited in height (only one player over 2.08 m against 4 for France) and the too stereotyped game which essentially consists of swinging banderillas at 3 points like Tominaga (20 points) .
After a disjointed first half, the partners of Evan Fournier – who was celebrating his 100th cap in the selection – accelerated on the return from the locker room and inflicted a 5-15 in 4 minutes which put an end to all suspense (51-53 , 24th then 54-68, 28th). The French will even have up to 20 points in advance (64-84, 36th) before logically lowering their feet.
A new score without false notes for the Blues which will have allowed Vincent Collet to launch Isaïa Cordinier. Called by the coach last weekend just before leaving for Japan to compensate for Frank Ntilikina’s package, the explosive rear took the opportunity to fine-tune the collective settings. Same thing for the interior Vincent Poirier, also called at the last minute, who, with Yoan Makoundou, is a candidate for the last jump seat in case Mathias Lessort (ankle) could not finally take his place.
For this first match since Franck Ntilikina’s withdrawal, the lead was shared between the essential Nando de Colo, Elie Okobo and Sylvain Francisco. The latter, blue of the Blues, once again responded with a good distribution of balls and a few three-point arrows (14 points in the end in addition to 3 rebounds and 3 assists).
France will therefore pass a last major test on Sunday, still in Tokyo, against Australia before flying to Jakarta where it will play the group stage of the World Cup.
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