The second match of the U20 World Championship is about to be a do-or-die encounter for each France and New Zealand. On Thursday, July 4, these two groups will conflict in a sport that can determine who finishes prime of Pool A and qualifies immediately for the semi-finals, and who finishes second with a slim likelihood of advancing.
Each groups have a win every beneath their belts, with France main the pool on factors distinction after a dominant 49-12 victory over Spain, whereas New Zealand narrowly defeated Wales 41-34 of their opener.
On the similar stage final yr, France triumphed over New Zealand 35-14, setting themselves on target for his or her third consecutive world title. Hugo Reus, the present captain of Les Bleuets, remembers that victory effectively.
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Final 1 Assembly
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“It can provide us confidence for the remainder of the competitors, and that’s what we have to concentrate on. Other than qualifying, this sport can actually assist us carry out effectively, acquire confidence, and enhance our effectivity,” stated Reus.
“It’s like a spherical of 16 as a result of a defeat on Thursday would make it very troublesome for us to qualify for the semi-finals. Our first goal is to win. If the content material isn’t nearly as good however we win, it gained’t matter.”
They’ve totally noticed and analysed every part
Your complete French teaching workers, together with the gamers, have meticulously reviewed the entire Child Blacks’ performances since final yr—from their victories within the Rugby Championship matches to a warm-up match in opposition to South Africa simply earlier than the match, to not point out their opening match on Saturday, 29 June.
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World Rugby U20 Championship
France U20
New Zealand U20
“They’ve confirmed what we’ve noticed,” remarked France U20 coach Sébastien Calvet. “They’re an extremely athletic crew with a refined sport. A few of their gamers have glorious ball-handling abilities. Subsequently, our focus must be on limiting their possession and sustaining our attacking sequences. They excel at creating obstacles and setting screens to interrupt via our defence. We should navigate via these challenges with strategic positioning and defensive stress.”
“They’re extremely cellular and agile as a crew. We share comparable traits to them,” he added.
In his opinion, “the crew that strikes higher, handles the ball extra effectively, and controls possession will probably emerge victorious. It’s going to be a captivating conflict of abilities between each groups.”
Hugo Reus brings a singular perspective, having been a part of final yr’s crew, and he observes vital modifications of their enjoying type from one yr to the subsequent.
“They play a bit extra out large with the second unit, the forwards, making an attempt to get via. It’s a frontal sport that has developed a little bit bit and is a little bit completely different to the All Blacks. We’ve analysed it and checked out it as a result of we are able to’t afford to be fooled. They did very effectively within the Rugby Championship and in opposition to Wales. Defence will probably be a key think about Thursday’s sport.”
Climate circumstances are additionally poised to affect proceedings in Stellenbosch, probably being overcast and even moist. Sébastien Calvet has chosen his 23-man squad with these variables in thoughts.
“If you face the All Blacks, physicality is essential. South Africa wouldn’t be world champions with out their power—clever, cohesive, and explosive energy,” he emphasises. “If the climate is dry, we wish to play them on dry floor. We’re ready to check ourselves in any surroundings. Final yr, with gamers like Posolo Tuilagi and Brent Liufau in our pack, mud wasn’t a serious hindrance. This yr, we’ve added extra dynamism to our sport. A muddy pitch would probably inconvenience them greater than us, however we’re assured in our readiness to face them on a dry floor.”
