France U20 Rugby Team Dominates in World Cup Opener Against Spain
The France U20 rugby team triumphed over Spain 49-11 in their World Cup opener.
Key Points
- • France U20 defeated Spain 49-11 in their World Cup opener.
- • Mathis Baret scored two tries and assisted a teammate.
- • Baptiste Tilloles also scored and effectively directed play.
- • Xan Mousques had a disappointing performance.
In their opening match of the 2025 U20 Rugby World Cup held in Italy, the France U20 rugby team, known as the Bleuets, secured a commanding victory over Spain, winning 49-11. Mathis Baret shone as a standout player, scoring two tries, with his first coming just seven minutes into the match, setting a strong precedent for the team's performance. Baret, noted for his explosive style, was crucial not only in scoring but also in creating opportunities for his teammates, including a key assist for a try by Sanson.
Baptiste Tilloles, the 18-year-old scrum-half, also delivered an impressive showing, orchestrating the game with remarkable speed and vision, culminating in his own try in the 69th minute that further emphasized his potential as a rising star in the sport. Despite the dominant performance, some players faced challenges. Xan Mousques, expected to be a contributor, struggled significantly, particularly with ball handling, which hindered his contribution to the team's efforts.
The performance of bench players was noted to fall short of expectations, although Lyam Akrab did manage to score after being substituted in. Coaches will need to address the lack of impact from substitutions as the tournament progresses. Overall, the match set a positive tone for the Bleuets as they vie for success in the World Cup.