The French men’s rugby sevens team was unable to do anything against New Zealand on Sunday (28-26). For their part, the French achieved the feat of defeating the Australian favorites (21-19) to reach the final.
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One out of two. Both involved in the semi-finals of the Vancouver Rugby Sevens Tournament, the French teams had a different outcome. The men failed to contain New Zealand, while the women were able to overcome the Australians, the best nation in the world.
Dupont active, the Blues too short
Author of the decisive try in the quarter-finals, Antoine Dupont was this time a substitute for the semi-final of the Vancouver Tournament, Sunday February 25. The scrum half played five minutes, all in the second half, but was unable to prevent his team’s defeat (28-26), which was wider than the score suggests.
In a handful of actions, the Stade Toulouse player showed several dazzling moments, such as when he snatched the ball from the hands of an opponent, or when his pass after a full center breakthrough slipped from the hands of Paulin Riva.
Vancouver: the good work of Antoine Dupont allows Rayan Rebbadj to save his honor
While the Blues are trailing New Zealand by 16 points with around twenty seconds remaining, Antoine Dupont snatches a ball from New Zealand’s arms and then allows his teammates to quickly project themselves, until the essay by Rayan Rebbadj. – ()
Despite a good Jefferson Lee-Joseph (two tries), the Blues suffered against the liveliness of the All Blacks, whom they only beat six times in 67 confrontations. Cody Vai (one try) and Akuila Rokolisoa (two tries) particularly hurt the French at speed.
The Blues will, however, be able to leave Canada on the podium if they beat the United States in the small final (1h10). The New Zealanders will play for the title against the Argentinians at 2:23.
The French women emerge as favorites and go to the final
A little earlier, the French had a better outcome in their semi-final. They achieved a real feat by eliminating the Australian world number 1 21-19, and reached their second final of the season. The two teams reached the break tied (14-14) after two tries on each side.
Séraphine Okemba responded to Madison Ashby’s opener, before the Tricolores followed up with a new try from the best scorer in the history of the French 7, Camille Grassineau (93 tries).
Vancouver: the summary of France – Australia (F)
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In the second period, Anne-Cécile Ciofani’s try in the middle was long enough to send the French to the final. But the final possession aussie saw Maddison Levi score Hope’s try, but the conversion was missed. Enough to relieve the French women – like the XV of France this afternoon – who will play the final against New Zealand, at 1:43.