U20 Rugby World Cup: “We came to win”, the Bleuets without complexes in South Africa

“This is our story. Last year their story was their own. » Antonin Corso, second row of the Espoirs d’Oyonnax, makes no mistake. These boys must write their own pages in the book of French rugby. Behind the 2018, 2019 and 2023 generations, victorious in the U20 World Cup, this new group takes up the torch, to leave its own mark. A task which is not the easiest because many of the Bleuets of yesterday are shining today in the French championship, or under the tricolor jersey of the A team. Sébastien Calvet’s players know it, this Coupe du world in South Africa is a way of showing that they are at the level of their predecessors.

Third in the last Six Nations Tournament with three matches lost, the French under-twenties arrive in the competition with a mixed record. Strong in a spirit of revenge, the Bleuets are no less demotivated: “Even if we remained disappointed after the tournament, we only won away so that’s the positive point we can cling to , confides Hoani Bosmorin, young winger from Stade Rochelais. We came to win. We have a title to defend, it’s not easy but everyone who is there deserves their place and is ready. We will try to start the competition as best as possible. »

Despite this, Sébastien Calvet and his staff remain confident about the group’s abilities: “We are approaching this championship with real adversity and strength through the group. Less strong, when we think of what Posolo could bring for example, but we know that if we give ourselves the means we can go to the end of the competition. » An opinion shared by Hugo Reus, team captain and fly half of Stade Rochelais, who is one of the group’s alumni, champions last year: “All the players played one or two matches during the Tournament. The project does not change for those who were there last year. There are still connections to be made between us because our group doesn’t know each other very well but I have total confidence in all the guys next to me to make up for last year’s big performance. »

The first test for the French team will be against Spain, second division world champion, on Saturday at 2 p.m. (French time), to establish a benchmark match before challenging the Baby Blacks, six-time world champions in the category, on Thursday (4:30 p.m.) for the second match of the group stage.