The French rugby team had no advantage on the 7th: first they lost to Ireland (14-12), then they lost against Fiji (29-19) on Saturday in the final stage of the world circuit in Los Angeles and failed to qualify for the quarters. – The final.

The Blues won their third and final group game against Wales (26-12) on Saturday night, but their fate was already sealed. After an opening defeat against their arch-rivals Ireland (14-12), the Blues needed to follow up with a win against Fiji to hope to secure one of the top two spots in Group C.

However, the step was too high for the French septs, who have beaten this selection from the Pacific just once in 43 group matches. The Blues then conceded five tries, with a try from Nelson Eppie (1st) and Jean-Pascal Barak (3rd) making a good push.

Their regrets will no doubt focus on the crucial opener against Ireland. The French side missed nothing, missing just one conversion after Pierre Mignot’s (eighth) try. He then responded to Terry Kennedy’s (3rd) reply. Varian Pasquet then put the Blues (12th) ahead, before Chai Mullins (14th) put Ireland back in the lead (14-12).

Despite the disappointment, the Blues managed to salvage some respect against the Welsh shortly after, taking off before half-time with a 14-5 lead. Logel (3rd) and Mignot scored the four tricolor tries in the match. (7), Wall (13), Revedamu (15).

Three wins saw Olympic champions Fiji top Group C ahead of Ireland, with France third. The Blues will face Canada for 9th place this Sunday at 6:07pm (Paris time).

At the end of this final Californian test, four countries can still win the world title: South Africa – current leader on the circuit, but eliminated in Los Angeles -, Australia, Argentina and Fiji.

Results in group C

Ireland – France 14-12

Fiji – Wales 28-12

Ireland – Wales 46-12

Fiji – France 29-19

France – Wales 26-12

Fiji – Ireland 21-7

Group C Standings: Points JGP PP PC Difference

1. Fiji 6 3 3 0 78 38 40

2. Ireland 6 3 2 1 67 45 36

3. France 2 3 1 2 57 55 2

4. Wales 2 3 0 3 36 100 -64