Rugby 7s, Cape Town tournament: after an impressive run, the Blues crack in the final against South Africa

Paulin Riva and the Blues, here at the Olympic Games, win silver in South Africa. EPA – CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

The French rugby 7s team, Olympic champion last summer, lost in the final of the Cape Town tournament this Sunday, December 8, against South Africa.

The French Olympic team has lost none of its brilliance. Despite a major renewal for this new season, embodied by the arrival of the promising Montpellier player Liam Delamarre (20 years old), the Blues remain a major nation on the circuit.

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Fifth last week, Benoît Baby's men have reached the final of the Cape Town tournament (South Africa). They notably atomized the All Blacks (47-15) and beat the best in the world, the Fijians (19-17), in the semi-final.

The girls in bronze

In the final, this Sunday, Stephen Parez's teammates were unable to overcome the South Africans. They lost 26-14, despite a great start. Too many small mistakes, explained by fatigue, prevented the French team from winning a fourth major tournament in their history.

The girls, who fell through in the semi-finals against the New Zealanders, took out their frustration on Australia in the match for third place. They therefore finished in bronze for their second medal of the season.

Next meeting, from January 24 to 26, in Australia.