The French Olympic champions were scared for their start in the competition. Against Kenya, they had to wait for extra time to achieve a very precious success. The French are already eliminated after only two matches.
The start of a new four-year cycle for the French 7s teams. After the Olympic deadline, which saw the Blues win the most beautiful metal when their female counterparts could not go further than the quarters, it was time for the return of the world circuit.
For the men of Benoît Baby, new coach of the Blues, this was more delicate than expected. Opposed to Kenya, France had the greatest difficulty in getting rid of an opponent who was within its reach on paper. Well into their game, the Tricolores were unable to make the difference at the break, where the two teams were tied 7-7. Worse still, the Kenyans will take the advantage at the start of the second half. Fortunately the reigning Olympic champions will manage to come back to win an extension. During these five additional minutes, the Blues managed to score the winning try by Ali Dabo in the corner. A 24-19 victory, but which allows the French to have their destiny in their hands for the future. Next match this Saturday at 12:20 p.m. against Australia.
The Blues almost eliminated
For Romain Huet's French women, on the other hand, the Olympic disillusionment does not yet seem to have been digested. In a pool made up of the USA, Great Britain and Spain, the Blues were unable to find the key to finishing among the first two and will have to hope that the stars align to finish among the best thirds .
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However, against the Spanish, the tricolors seemed to be off to a good start, leading 12 to 0 after the first minutes of play. But from that moment on, nothing more. Accepting four consecutive tries, the Blues logically lost (12-24), as if powerless in the face of the opposing revolt.
Facing the British, an even crueler scenario. As against Spain, the French team will lead 12-0, but as in their first match, they will lose (12-14). This time, it was after the siren that Great Britain came to crush the French hopes, with a race of almost 80 meters after having pierced the first defensive curtain.
Against the Americans, currently undefeated and at the head of the group, the French will absolutely have to win to hope to reach the quarter-finals of the event in Dubai. Kick-off at 1:51 p.m.
France
Rugby
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