6 Nations U20 2024 – Matthies Castro Ferreira more powerful, Zhan Mouskus explosive, Thomas Sowerby brilliant… Bluets score against Scotland
Sébastien Calvet’s Bleuets won in Scotland with the score (29-14) giving themselves a humiliating bonus. Skipper Mathis Castro Ferreira was impressive with his physical dimensions in this part. Scrum half Thomas Sowerby was the trigger for the French rhythm while fullback Zhan Mouskus showed his legs.
1. Zinedine Aouad: 7/10
Girondin showed great mobility in the running game, not hesitating to throw the ball back against a set defense. He won the advantage line several times and held the house in a close scrum.
2. Leo Chauvin: 7/10
Bordello-Baglais sometimes lacked accuracy in his throws but compensated with great activity in the running game. Like the Gironde first line, he was at the forefront of the fight.
3. Zachary Afney: 7.5/10
The UBB colossus once again showed his strength in close scrums as well as bringing the slower ball to life. Furthermore, he showed great regularity and consistency during the long periods he spent on the field. And this is despite his stature which stands out among under-20 teams. It was too bad that he was stripped of the ball in the 20th minute after one of his positive charges.
4. Corentin Mezzou: 8/10
One of the best blueberries on the lawn. Driven and fair in most of his interceptions, Toulonnais often had good races and was a good passer in the running game. Like his teammates in the third row, he always supported his teammates. A solid match from Varois, with little to complain about.
5. Antonin Corso: 7/10
Oyonnaxian was consistent with his pack. Slightly wider than his team-mate Mezzo, he brought his power into the mauls and cleared into the rucks, guaranteeing a quick release for Sowerby.
6. Patrick Tuifua: 8/10
The Flanker on the other side of the planet will still be talked about. In each of his interventions, the Hawks two players performed poorly in both attack and defence. From the 19th minute, Tufua broke the screen by signing Hungama and then an assist for his winger Honi Bosmorin, who scored a try in anger. In short, Tufua continues to impress.
7. Joe Querre-Caraba: Not rated; Siale Tolofua: 4/10
It is a shame that Toulonnais was unable to express itself in this one-sided match. He came on twice in the first half, and shortly before half-time gave way to Toulouse’s Cial Tolofua who brought on his power. However, he made a few mistakes early in the second half, as did his forwards. To make matters worse, Tolofua was caught by patrol shortly before the hour mark where he received a yellow card, making it easy for the Scots to score a second try and put them back in the game.
8. Mathis Castro-Ferreira: 9/10
He is the best player in the game. It’s simple, the Blueettes captain was a hit. It’s hard to lead better than leading your team with every intervention they make. He set the tone in the 12th minute and this started at the back of his scrum where he delivered a huge blow to a Scottish defender erasing two other defenders. On the half-hour mark, he signed an assist for his scrum-half Sowerby after a fine combination in contact where Bluetts simulated a maul. Castro-Ferreira was very logically voted man of the match.
9. Thomas Sowerby: 8.5/10
One half of the Pau section was able to replace the precious Leo Carboneau very well. He was very dynamic in his ball exits, establishing a lot of rhythm. Author of several attempts to use spaces in Scottish defence, Sowerby exhibits a very interesting level. His attempt at the mouse hole after a brilliant combination in touch is the icing on the cake for him. Down to 10 at the end of the match, he achieved a massive score of 50-22, remarkably to display his full technical range.
10. Axel Desperes: 7/10
The No.12 has regained his place as fly-half against Ireland last week. This evening against Scotland, Despers was present in his offensive and defensive animation. Countering a ball early in the match, he stepped up quickly and put his team on the right track. In the attack, he understood that the right solution was to weaken Chardon. His profession and his well-received pantoches also encompass a decent performance.
11. Hoani Bosmorin: 7/10
A 20 minute game for sure, but that was enough. After his brilliant match against Ireland, Bosmorin confirmed on the Scottish pitch. First, he was too strong under pressure from high balls twice early in the match. Reassuring in this sector, Rochellus was able to perform his offensive work as expected of him. As soon as he had the ball, like last week, his support wreaked havoc. His try in the 20th minute epitomizes this. Well served by great work from Tufua, he sailed through the defense before diving into the goal. Following this, he came off injured and was replaced by Jean Kotarnák. His revenge didn’t really express itself in the second half as the Blues were less able to hold onto the ball.
12. Robin Takola: 6/10
The three-quarter center continued after his match against Ireland, although this time he wore the number 12. Just like last week, he was able to bring verticality to his game, maybe even a little more this time. Full of balls, the Vanes player made some sharp runs and provided security in defence. If he attempted a significantly fruitless jump or an unsuccessful kicking game, his register was respected.
13. Fabian Brou Boiri: 5.5/10
He was most sensible at three-quarters this evening. His participation in the French launch and his understanding of the attack are not in doubt and he has given assurances. But he lacked the enthusiasm and motivation that we have every right to expect from 13 years on. At just 18, he wasn’t short on pace or level, but more than personality and character, and that could be a great promise for him. Young tricolor shoots.
14. Maxense Bisotto: 6/10
He is the only Brive survivor on this match sheet, while Ferte, Raffi and Carboneau were at the club. The CAB winger’s first period was decent but sensible as his side clearly dominated possession. Perhaps overshadowed by the initiative of his colleagues in the rear triangle, Biasotto did not know how to put himself forward. On the other hand, in the second period, we should highlight his great defensive return (45th minute) when the Scottish winger escaped.
15. Xan Mousques: 8/10
Aviron Beyoncé had ants on her legs in the back. Like Bosmorin, Mausk was the X factor of this French line attack. He is the one who started the rivalry with his brilliant effort (14th minute) where he obliterates three defenders almost without touching them and at full speed. It must be said in a rather spontaneous encounter that we were able to observe his qualities as a breeder and duelist. Moreover, he played a great game on the business footing to maintain and suffocate the young Scots on several occasions.
