France break their Sevens duck
France today won their first IRB Sevens tournament after a fine comeback against Fiji clinched them home glory in Paris.
The hosts won the GMF-sponsored event after triumphing 28-19 over World Cup Sevens winners Fiji in the finale to the 2004/05 season.
Laurent Ferreres, Rida Jahouer and Julien Malzieu proved to be the difference between the two teams, supported by the pace of Vincent Clerc.
France, playing in their first ever IRB Sevens final, went 14-0 up in quick time through the impressive Jahouer and Malzieu. Neumi Nanuku pulled one back before the Waisale Serevi and Kameli Ratuvou put the islanders 19-14 ahead at half-time.
With encouragement from the crowd, Ferreres scored under the posts shortly after the break to put the French 21-19 up and signal a period of sustained pressure.
France were rewarded when more good work from Ferreres led to a try from Patrick Bosque to wrap up victory for Thierry Janeczek’s side.
France had earlier beaten New Zealand in the semi-final 14-12 with tries from Clerc and Jahouer.
Gordon Tietjens’ New Zealand side, however, were still presented with the trophy for their sixth IRB Sevens series title after a consistent season to finish ahead of Fiji, England, South Africa and Argentina. They tied up the title last week.
Fiji had booked their place in the final courtesy of a 29-7 win over Samoa, Nanuku and Rupeni Koroi inspiring the win.
Earlier, the French had also proved too strong for an injury-hit South Africa in running out 27-10 winners, Vincent Deniau providing much of the attacking for Janeczek’s side.
New Zealand had come from behind to beat Scotland 29-7 in the first quarter-final.
Samoa had accounted for England in the fourth quarter-final, David Lemi playing a vital role in the 21-14 victory.
The Plate final saw a replay of last weekend’s Cup final at Twickenham, South Africa again getting the better of an injury-hit England 26-19.
