Rugby World Cup: the Blues newspaper, the phrase of the day, the number

After a final crowd bath this Monday in their base camp at Rueil-Malmaison, the Blues return to Lille this Tuesday, where they will face Uruguay on Thursday evening. Departure around 11 a.m.

After taking up their new quarters, Fabien Galthié and Raphaël Ibanez will officially announce at 3 p.m. the names of the 23 players selected for the second meeting of the French XV in this World Cup.

“We have to seek the respect of New Zealanders. You have to earn it.” Namibia coach Allister Coetzee sent a message to his players after the defeat against Italy. “We see it with the Springboks, when the All Blacks come into the locker room to exchange their jerseys. They only do it with players they respect. That's the message I sent to my players. Do everything to make an All Black want to swap jerseys with you.” The objective is clear against New Zealand: earn their respect on the pitch, and why not return home with a few jerseys!

Like the number of tackles made by the Welsh against Fiji on Sunday evening. In a crazy match, the best of this World Cup so far, the Welsh were hard at work in defense. Will Rowlands, the powerful second row who will join Racing 92 at the end of the competition, tackled with all his might (27 tackles attempted, 27 successful) as did Gareth Thomas (20 successful tackles). 248 in total therefore. A mind-blowing total since it is quite simply the World Cup record.

It was THE gesture of the weekend. If the match between South Africa and Scotland was not exciting for 80 minutes, it was advisable to turn on your television in the 50th minute. Manie Libbok, number 10 of the Springboks, sent a marvelous foot pass to his winger Arendse. A “no look” kick, to be seen and rewatched without moderation.

Rugby World Cup: why does the rugby ball have an oval shape?