It was a disgusting evening in the stands of the Stade de France. A little cold and damp, we sit for a long time without moving, we forgot our hat and gloves at home, and now we start the week with clogged sinuses for a while. It was also an evening to get sick on the lawn of the Saint-Denis enclosure.
A bad cold, the one caused by a gust that blew on the left wing of the French attack, and which took away Anton Lienert-Brown and Sevu Reece. A volley called Louis Bielle-Biarrey, came to sweep away the two men in particular and the All Blacks in general to allow the Blues to take the lead.
We were playing in the 51st minute and the Stade de France were screaming and screaming and screaming some more with every meter taken by the Bordeaux-Bègles winger on opposite sides, although not the slowest on the New Zealand plane for this tour. Thomas Ramos had just hit a ball that had fallen out of the opposing team’s hands. And “LBB” did the rest, rushing like mad to leave the All Blacks two and three quarters behind and come to flatten in what has become his corner of the pitch at the Stade de France after his brace, in the same area, by him a week ago against Japan.
His ninth try in 13 selections, the one that allowed the Blues to make the break (51st), during the victory of the French XV, this Saturday, November 16, for a young 21-year-old in a hurry. On the pitch, as in the dressing room of this French team, where his status and rating have continued to rise for a year and a half. Called up for the first time in January 2023 with the French national team. First appearance in a World Cup preparation match against Scotland where he had – already – scored. And the youngest French international to start a World Cup match in September 2023 against Uruguay.
A decisive tackle on Will Jordan
Louis Bielle-Biarrey had reached a milestone in this World Cup on home soil, ignoring Gabin Villière to become a starter for the rest of the competition, until this damned quarter-final against the Springboks, where he seemed, for the first time, overwhelmed by the challenge . But his trajectory in blue was not slowed down by this South African trap.
The player, comfortable and relaxed in front of the media despite his inexperience, once again asserted himself in the difficult moments of this year’s Six Nations Tournament. With this test, already at the end of a crazy sprint, to allow the French to win in Scotland in February. Making him even more fundamental in the Blues’ attack alongside his Bordeaux-Bègles teammate, Damian Penaud.
This last patient, Bielle-Biarrey has become the main arrow of the Blues, the one who loves balloons. Like against Japan a week ago. The one we use to go very fast and very far. The young man also knows how to defend: he demonstrated it with the Girondino club in April, with a splendid save against Clermont, and again against the All Blacks with a splendid intervention from the backline on Will Jordan in the goal. New Zealand.
On Saturday evening the “LBB” raised the Stade de France for the last time. Another long sprint. More screams. Another thrill in the New Zealand defence. But there was no attempt at this final offensive. It was already magnificent. It would have been incredible.
How does crowd support contribute to the success of a rugby team during a match?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rugby Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview, where we delve into the recent events surrounding the thrilling rugby match that took place at the Stade de France. With me today is Dr. Emily Turner, a sports analyst and rugby expert. Emily, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Turner: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the exciting world of rugby.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. The match was set against quite a chilly backdrop, wasn’t it? How do weather conditions like these impact player performance during such important games?
Dr. Emily Turner: Absolutely, the weather plays a significant role. Cold and damp conditions can lead to muscle stiffness, which affects agility and speed. It can also impact ball handling; players may struggle with grip, leading to turnovers. It’s incredibly crucial for teams to adapt quickly when the elements become challenging, as we saw during that match.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of adaptation, we witnessed Louis Bielle-Biarrey making quite a debut with an impressive performance, scoring his ninth try in just 13 selections. What do you think has been the key to his rapid rise in the French national team?
Dr. Emily Turner: Bielle-Biarrey’s rise is phenomenal, and it comes down to a mix of natural talent, tactical awareness, and experience. Being called up early in January and performing well in World Cup preparation matches gave him the confidence to shine on the big stage. His ability to read the game, combined with his youth and speed, has made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Time.news Editor: It’s remarkable to see such a young player dominate like that. His decisive tackle on Will Jordan was also a highlight. How important are defensive plays like that in maintaining team momentum?
Dr. Emily Turner: Defensive plays are critical! A well-timed tackle can shift the momentum of a game, energizing not just the player who made it but the entire team and their supporters. In such high-stakes matches, it’s those moments of defensive brilliance that can lead to scoring opportunities, which Bielle-Biarrey capitalized on. His tackle demonstrated not just defensive skill but also a deep understanding of the game.
Time.news Editor: The atmosphere in the Stade de France must have been electrifying, particularly after the French team took the lead. How does crowd support influence player performance?
Dr. Emily Turner: Crowd support is a massive factor in rugby; it can lift players’ spirits when they’re feeling the fatigue of the match. The chants and cheers create an exhilarating atmosphere that can spur players on to give that extra effort. For younger players like Bielle-Biarrey, performing in front of a home crowd can be both a motivator and a source of pressure, but the joy of success can often drown out the nerves.
Time.news Editor: After this match, what’s next for Louis Bielle-Biarrey and the French national team as they prepare for their upcoming challenges?
Dr. Emily Turner: Bielle-Biarrey will likely continue to be a vital component of the squad, especially with his recent performances. As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to maintaining form and preparing strategically for different opponents. The coaching staff will also analyze game footage to fine-tune his role on the team, ensuring he keeps contributing effectively.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead! Thank you, Emily, for sharing your insights. It’s always fascinating to hear from experts like you who bring depth to our understanding of sports.
Dr. Emily Turner: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to watching how this tournament unfolds and seeing what other surprises lie ahead for the French team.