Paris (AFP)
A double and a welcome interception: the third line center Jordan Joseph was decisive in the improved success of the French team under 20 against Fiji (36-20), Tuesday opening of the World Championship in Argentina.
The Bleuets, champions of the world in title, start the competition competitively at the chart of accounts, at the end of an average service which reminds them of their entry in the matter in 2018 against Ireland.
In Rosario, they took the lead of Group A in front of Wales, winner of Argentina (30-25) and their next opponent Saturday. The French will not have the right to defeat if they want to win the semi-finals, promised to the first of each group and the best second.
They will be able to count in this new fight on Jordan Joseph, elected last year best player of the competition despite his double upgrade (17 years at the time). The young player of Racing 92, who has discovered the professional world this season, has been present to make his selection a bad step against the Fijians.
After the winning breakthrough of French backer Donovan Taofifenua (2nd, 7-0), the former Massicois allowed the Blueberries to widen the gap (26th, 15-6) on a cross at the foot of the opener Mathieu Smaïli relayed by winger Ethan Dumortier. And how! An effortless fury on the back Fijian Waqa, fallen net, before flattening quietly.
The Blues then scrambled, recoiled in front of the commitment of the Fijians, returned to 15-13 at the break and in numerical superiority after the yellow card imposed on Dumortier for dangerous tackling (44th).
On the penaltouche that follows, Joseph gives air to the French camp by interception. The Bleuets then went on the offensive and, still at 14 against 15, scored a third try signed Léo Coly (53rd, 22-13). Joseph buried the suspense with a second try synonymous with offensive bonus (59th, 29-13).
? 2019 AFP