After its prestigious success at the Los Angeles tournament, the first on the world circuit since 2005, the French rugby sevens team was expected to round the corner on the next stage of the world circuit, the renowned Hong Kong. And, even in the absence of Antoine Dupont who will play Sunday with Toulouse in the round of 16 of the Champions Cup against Racing 92, Jérôme Daret's players confirmed their current good disposition by dominating Canada (31-0) then by snatching victory against Australia (19-14), the third nation in the world (France moved up to 4th place) which included the former Wallabies flanker, Michael Hooper, in its ranks. On Saturday, the Blues will challenge the formidable Fijians, reigning double Olympic champions.
For their part, the French - Olympic vice-champions and third in the world rankings - also made their debut in Hong Kong by beating Brazil (28-17) and Great Britain (34-7). Big piece to come, Saturday, with New Zealand, which won the two North American tournaments (Vancouver and Los Angeles) and which remains on a series of fifteen victorious matches.