Les Bleues end on a good note. After a clear and clear success against the Canadians this Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland (36-0), the French women’s rugby team finished this New Zealand World Cup on the third step of the podium. A successful performance, punctuated by five tries, which has something to satisfy. “Managing to put 40 points (36, editor’s note) to the Canadian team, third in the world rankings and which almost beat England last week… We can see that the potential of this team was there”, underlined coach Thomas Darracq.
This demonstration allows above all to evacuate the immense frustration born of this semi-final lost by a small point against the future winners New Zealand (25-24) while the Blues had the penalty of winning in the last moments . There was room to get this first World Cup final. However, the tricolor technician wants to retain “a very positive balance sheet”. Leaving empty-handed would have been hard to swallow. “We are very proud to return to France with this medal. This third place allows us to come out with something and that is very positive. It was the minimum we wanted to seek with this group, ”says the third line and captain Gaëlle Hermet.
Youth for the future
Imperial this Saturday, especially on the defensive level, the French also offered a nice end to several players who were playing their last competition in the jersey flanked by the rooster. Marjorie Mayans, Safi N’Diaye, Céline Ferer or even scrum half Laure Sansus, injured since the match against England, can leave with a sense of duty accomplished. “I feel great, super moved. I am satisfied more than anything with this end, ”confided Céline Ferer at the end of the match.
But now, it is towards the future that the players of Thomas Darracq must turn. This XV of France intends to rely on new executives and a rejuvenated core to build the foundations for a future great international success. We obviously think of captain Gaëlle Hermet but also of the sisters Romane and Marine Ménager, the opener Caroline Drouin or the hooker Agathe Sochat. Without forgetting Joanna Grisez on the wing, who cannot yet claim executive status, but who has signed some great performances during this World Cup.
For Les Bleues, heading now for the 2023 Six Nations Tournament which will begin next March. A clear objective for the Habs, who have already won the competition six times.
