2023-07-14 21:07:38
A place on top of the world on July 14! Winners of the Under-20 World Cup for the third time in a row (after 2018 and 2019, knowing that the editions between 2020 and 2022 were canceled due to the health crisis), the Bleuets dominated the Irish at Athlone Cape Town Stadium. A third coronation at the expense of the Irish, authors of the first attempt but subsequently overwhelmed (50-14).
The XV of Clover had started this final well with a try scored in the 4th minute by Gunne. But very quickly, the physical domination of the French was illustrated with Mathis Ferté, well shifted by Jauneau ten minutes later, which allowed the Bleuets to pick up the score (7-7, 14th). Then the Irish capitalize on a touch well found by Prendergast, which gave rise to a penalty played by hand: John Devine scores the try (31st). Immediate response from the Bleuets with the physical test of the first line Julien Lino (35th). 17-14 for France at the break.
A dominance without appeal
From the start, the Blueberries, fifteen against fourteen, show much more desire than their opponents. And also more power with Jouvin, first, on a carried ball (42nd), then more cunning on a recovery leading to the fifth try in this World Depoortere (45th). The faultless scorer Reus ends with a missed penalty on the hour mark and the conversion of the following try, scored by Mathis Ferté who therefore signs a double (69th). The extraordinary solo try of Lenni Nouchi in the 75th minute and that of Drouet, at the end of a collective race (79th), seal an irrevocable victory for the French over the XV of Clover (50-14).
This is the crowning achievement of an impressive career in this World Cup. In the semi-finals, Les Bleuets got rid of England (52-31) after being led 17-0 by XV de la Rose. In the group stage, they notably dominated New Zealand (35-14).
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