6 Nations U20 – Patrick Tufua impressive, Honi Bosmorin electric… The Notes of the Blues v Ireland

1. Lino Julian: 5/10

The U20 World Champion in 2023, his age allows him to return to the U20s for one more year. He allowed his team to dominate in closed scrums, where the French won eight of their introductions, even trying to steal the ball from opposing scrums. This allows it to enhance an otherwise fairly neutral performance. Replaced by Léo Ametlla (52nd).

2. Barnabe Massa: 6/10

Grenoble Hooker showed all his dynamism and power at this meeting. It is easy, which is now experienced in Pro D2 games (20 matches in this division with FCG) has always moved forward with the ball in his hands. Clean in his throws, he also perfectly managed the ball being picked up by the French. He gave way to Robin Cowley (62nd).

3. Zinedine Ouad: 5.5/10

In 2023, followers of the French U20 discovered Zachary Affen. This year, he will find his partner with UBB Espoirs, Zinédine Aouad. As his predecessors could do, he badly damaged his opponent in a closed scrum. Active in the current game, he will be one of the players to follow. He was replaced by Thomas Duchene (63rd).

4. Charlie Gambini: 4/10

He was a regional player of the stage, he was a player from Aix-en-Provence. If those near him, numerous in the Maurice-David bays, were able to make themselves heard, the second row quickly changed in this seat, giving way to Antonin Corso (48th), after a sensible performance.

5. Corentin Mezzou: 5.5/10

Overall, the Blueettes team, which he was in charge of with Charlie Gambini, went 8/11 on French throws, as well as two steals. But this season Breton, a Toulon player, was sent off early in the match. Despite this, he gave a lot during the 80 minutes, especially in defence.

6. Noah Zinzhen: 4.5/10

The captain of the Espoirs du Racing had a poor start to his meeting. When his team was moving forward, he entered the side in a ruck after a very good maul (3′). But he came out positively with two fine passes to enliven the game, one for the first French try, the other in the 39th minute. Not the most prominent in this third row, the ASBH-trained player quickly gave way to Joe Querre Caraba who had the power to escape (48th).

7. Patrick Tufua: 7.5/10

New Zealand club Hawke’s Bay licensed third row native of New Caledonia took his first steps on the metropolitan lawn, or rather his first percussion. He quickly integrated into his new teammates, whom he knew. And they discover the power of the third line! On a handball five meters from the opposition line, he took three defenders away to score (46th). During the match, he covered 57 meters with ball in hand, beat five defenders, made two crosses, in just six races with the ball… In defence, he’s not going to be left behind either. He made 18 tackles, easily the best total of the match… He should make a name for himself very quickly!

8. Mathis Castro-Ferreira: 7/10

Deployed in the third midfield while we know him more as a flanker, the 2023 U20 World Champion’s match was very successful. The captain of the Bluets showed his partners the way! He scored twice in the first half. Both times, he completed the actions with strength, after several further charges. On the other hand, he has to work on his English. Patrick Tufua acted as an interpreter when Mr. Ferreira wanted to speak to him. But with the referee not really favoring the Blues, the tricolor could have been helped by being able to communicate more often and more naturally with the South African referee… He fell in favor of fourth Frenchman Mael Perrin (69th). Try it

9. Leo Carboneau: 6.5/10

Nothing new under the sun, carboneau made carboneau. A lot of intensity in all his actions, such as teasing the Irish second row early in a match or even on the sidelines during clashes. We know he’s fond of it! But especially in sports. Animation and initiative as always. An example of this action in the 30th minute where, in a professional footy game, he hooks the 11 perfectly, lays on the percussion and then gets a touch while “grinta”. A minute later, he made a vital scratch for his team. In the second period, he continued to take.

10. Tom Raffy: 5.5/10

Brewist No. 10 had some trouble getting into his match. He seemed to struggle with placement and cooperation with his teammates, such as this embarrassment with Bosmorin under a high ball. But then he regained confidence in his delivery of the game and pulled away with an easy conversion before the break. Among his usual qualities, the shot on goal this evening was a formality for him: he achieved 100% on his feet. (5/5)

11. Hoani Bosmorin: 7/10

He was impressive tonight and when he stepped up, he often panicked the Irish defenders. Lots of activity in his lane but some stalling to get his speed into the tricolor back line. Like at the half-hour mark when he surprised his opponent by taking a serve to a teammate who had accidentally let the ball slip. And above all, what a defensive comeback at the Irish rear in the 22nd minute (flashed at 37 km/h!). This is one of the actions of the match and is worth a try. He was replaced by Noah Nene in the 65th minute.

12. Excel Despers: 5.5/10

A player of the Pau division, the opener placed in the middle, blended into the playing system put in place by the French staff. A recurring presence in fixing and first-aid duties, Desperes also brought strength to the center of the field. After a break, he successfully worked to put pressure on the Irish camp. His penalty not being awarded is a severe blow when the Blues could have had a great chance.

13. Robin Takola: 4/10

The Blueetts’ three-quarter center was adventurous and lacked desire. On several occasions, we fixed him and then watched his wingers shift. Complemented by his friend in the center, he worked undermining. Breton, present on two sheets of Pro D2, rubbed shoulders with a pair of very high-end centers and still seemed inferior to its counterparts.

14. Grégoire Arfeuil: 4/10

His defensive blunder in the 22nd minute opened the floodgates of attack for Ireland – who finished within five meters of the French – saved by Bosmorin (above). Conferred with a yellow card in the 51st minute, Arfeul was adjudged guilty of a deliberate kick-in. His offensive contribution will not be as important as expected. Note his crossing and numerous attempts early in the match but without real danger. He is replaced by Maxence Biasotto (62′).

15. Mathis Ferte: 4.5/10

The young Corezian did not know/was able to stand out. Since the game was so focused on confrontation, Ferte was not to his advantage. He wasn’t called on particularly high balls but there are no glaring errors to his credit. Being the most famous in his club, we could have expected more distinctions from him but his lack of ball did not allow him that.