The Californian tournament takes place from Saturday to Monday and can be followed live on france.tv.
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A week after a prolific Vancouver tournament for the French delegation (2nd place for women, 3rd place for men), the Blues continue in Los Angeles this weekend, starting Saturday March 2 (to follow live on France .TV). While the men’s team will compete in its second competition with Antoine Dupont before the Olympic Games, the women’s team will try to win its very first tournament.
For the men, continue to prepare for the Games…
Third in Vancouver, the Blues recovered after a difficult start to the season. Fourth last year, they only occupy seventh place on the world circuit this year at the halfway point and won their first medal of the season in Canada. And for good reason, in this particular and shortened edition (eight stages, compared to eleven in 2022-2023), the essential lies elsewhere. “We are preparing for the Olympic Games”agrees Captain Paulin Riva to AFP.
Rugby 7s: The Blues win bronze medals (.)
The French rugby sevens team caused a sensation by beating the United States, winning the coveted bronze medal in Vancouver. This is a successful first for Antoine Dupont with the French rugby sevens team. The talented Toulousain shone during this tournament, notably scoring the Blues’ attempt to qualify for the semi-finals against Ireland, last Saturday.
In addition to Los Angeles, the tournaments in Hong Kong (April 5-7) and Singapore (May 3-5) then the possible final in Madrid (May 31-June 2), will thus allow “know your opponents better, have more technical foundations on our game systems and be more demanding”, he continues. Quarter-finalists in Rio in 2016 but not qualified for Tokyo in 2021, the Blues dream of a first Olympic medal in their history. However, they will have a lot to do in an extremely tough tournament with New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina and Ireland.
…and continue the integration of Antoine Dupont
After his big debut in Canada, Antoine Dupont will continue his learning of Seven. “We know that rugby sevens is physically hard, but it’s only when you’re there that you really realize it.”, he smiled after his debut, punctuated by three tries. Not always a starter, the Toulouse native has, little by little, made his mark. “We’re going step by step, we don’t want to give everything at once either”explained coach Jérôme Daret after the Vancouver tournament.
Rugby 7s: the beginnings of Antoine Dupont
Tonight, Antoine Dupont made his official debut with the French rugby sevens team. Two short matches for two victories: a smooth start for the best player in the world 2021. The Toulouse player will continue his gradual integration with the aim of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“He’s a boy who brings a lot of power and energy. In duels, he dominates his opponents”, praises Paulin Riva. The usual captain of the XV of France must also familiarize himself with the management of efforts, very different in this shortened format (twice seven minutes) without downtime, with several matches per day. “The more aches there are, the more important the matches, it’s a bit of the paradox of this sport !”he smiled.
After this first approach, Antoine Dupont will return to the XV with Stade Toulouse. He will not be there in Hong Kong and Singapore: in addition to the long trip, the scrum half will be busy with the round of 16 and a possible Champions Cup semi-final. On the other hand, he will do his return to Madrid (May 31-June 2). On the condition that the Blues are still in the running, since only the first eight in the general classification will participate in this final.
Among women, finally win to prepare for the Olympics
The final lost against New Zealand (19-35) in Vancouver only prolonged a sad series: in 55 appearances (including six finals), the Blues have still not won a single tournament on the main circuit. “We are consistent, but it pisses us off to never taste the gold medal”sighed opening half Caroline Drouin after the final in Canada.
Like men, the “Paris project” hammered out by coach David Courteix remains the major objective. Especially since the French women, silver medalists in Tokyo, face less competition than the Blues and can legitimately aim for victory. “For our confidence and all the investment we put into it, we want this gold medalcontinues Caroline Drouin. This would not be an end in itself (…) but, in high-level sport, being rewarded is a good thing.”
The Blues group stage (all matches live on france.tv):
Saturday March 2 at 4:16 a.m.: France-Canada
Saturday March 2 at 6:52 p.m.: France – Great Britain
Saturday March 2 at 11:22 p.m.: France-Fiji
The Bleues group stage (all matches live on france.tv):
Saturday March 2 at 1:52 a.m.: France-Japan
Saturday March 2 at 9:04 p.m.: France-Ireland
Sunday March 3 at 1:40 a.m.: France-Australia