France end International series with the whipping of Province in Paarl
PAARL.- The France u18 team produced an emphatic performance, scoring 47 points in the second half to clinch an resounding 85-20 win over a Western Province Invitational side in their final match of the u18 International series on Saturday at Paarl Boys’ High.
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The French came into the clash high in confidence on the back of their impressive (37-24) victory against South Africa on Tuesday, whereas Province were thumped (78-15) by England in their first encounter at Stellenberg High School on Tuesday.
Province however, started brightly, getting onto the scoreboard as early as the second minute, when the home side managed to get a penalty in the opposition’s 22-meter line and opted to go to touch for a line out.
That decision proved to be a smart one, as the home side used their forwards to maul and overpower the French defence resulting in hooker Dean Janse van Rensburg scoring the opening try of the match.
Province built momentum from that score, showing signs of improvement in their scrums, accuracy in their clearance kicks and with their wings chasing passionately.
The French, however, weren’t going away and after struggling to capitalize while in Province’s half a couple of times, finally opened their tally in the 12th minute through eighth man and skipper, Ellyjah Ibsaiene who barged his way over the whitewash after several phases and relentless pressure by his side near Province’s try line.
Province were certainly not backing down from the challenge, and after forcing an error from a French player who failed to roll over after making a tackle, the home side were gifted a penalty in front of the poles and stepped-up Daniel van der Merwe to calmy slot it in and regain a three-point lead early in the match.
The two teams, both playing attacking rugby went on to score a try a piece as Province winger, Freek De Kock and France’s inside centre, Quentin Valentino dotted over to make matters even with 15 minutes left in the half.
The visitors then took the match by the scruff of its neck, and scored three unanswered tries through wing, Tom Leveque, scrumhalf, Temanatua Boichot, and centre, Quentin Valentino getting his second of the game to see the visitors take a 38-13 lead at the break.
Looking to build momentum from their first half showing, France started the brightest and after camping in Province’s half for the first few minutes scored through prop Ruben-Diego Pargade. The visitors were not done, as they reached the 50 mark in the 45th minute when the loosehead prop, Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke barged his way over the whitewash from close range.
If 50 points was anything to go buy, the visitors turned up the tempo even more, and with Province suddenly unable to make tackles, ran rampant in the last 15 minutes of the match.
Tom Emery scored his second of the match, with Tom Leveque grabbing his hat trick in style after chasing down his own kick from his half. Left wing Melvyn Rates also got in on the action, scoring a late brace.
Province finished the match on a high with a second try from Freek De Kock but the dominant second half display resulted in the French claiming an 85-20 win, and in the process ended their international series on a high.
Centre, Quentin Valentino received the man of the match accolade for his two tries scored.
Scorers:
France 85 () – Tries: Tom Leveque (3), Quentin Valentino (2), Tom Emery (2), Melvyn Rates (2), Ellyjah Ibsaiene, Temanatua Boichot, Ruben-Diego Pargade, Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke, Conversions: Diego Jurd (6), Luka Keletaona (4). WP invitational 20 () – Tries: Freek De Kock (2), Dean Janse van Rensburg. Conversion: Frank Hitimane, Penalty: Daniel van der Merwe.
