Without necessarily being flamboyant, the team of France reassured itself with two victories in two matches in this world cup, before facing Tonga Sunday and England four days later. Tonga, for their part, were defeated twice in this competition (35-3 against England and 28-12 against Argentina). It is in the skin of the sixteenth world team that Tonga will challenge the French team Sunday in the stadium Kumamoto Athletic Stadium. Eliminated in pool in the last seven editions, Tonga obviously do not start favorites against the Blues. But they still have some arguments to make.
The player to watch : Steve Mafi
Six of the thirty-two selected players play in the French championship, including star Steve Mafi. The former second line of the Castres Olympique from 2016 to 2019 had won the shield of Brennus with the OC in 2018 against Montpellier. Mafi had also scored the last try of his team that night. Future London Irish player in the English championship, he participates in his second World Cup after 2015.
A style of play always very rough
The Tongans rely on a pack of powerful forwards, led by Racing 92's Ben Tameifuna (1m88, 151kg). Rough but not really disciplined, Tonga received 11 yellow cards in 7 World Cup appearances. A record in the competition.
" If we manage to erase our mistakes, we can hang France "A precedent in their favor against the France team
The most beautiful victory in the history of Tonga took place in 2011 against ... France. At the World Cup in New Zealand, French and Tongan were in a group made up of Japan, Canada, and the future New Zealand winner. The Blues had fallen into the trap, a 19-14 defeat for the men of Marc Lievremont who still reached the final few days later.
"I am convinced that if we manage to erase our mistakes and be more clinical, we can hang in France," said confident coach Tongien after the defeat of his team 28-12 against Argentina last Saturday.
The key to the match: the scrum?
If there is no question of considering a remake of the 2011 World Cup, the French team will have to be wary of the physical fight imposed by Tonga, especially in melee. In his first two games, the France team has at times appeared very comfortable. Convincing in the first half against Argentina and author of three tries converted in the last fifteen minutes against the United States, she will still win in consistency.
Coach Jacques Brunel unveiled this Thursday the composition of the team of France for the meeting on Sunday. A match to follow from 9:45.