France’s men’s sevens rugby team delivered a sensational performance to defeat Argentina 26-14 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the Olympics. The electrifying quarter-final match, held at the iconic Stade de France, was marked by both intense athleticism and a fervent atmosphere, as the French side captivated a cheering crowd of 70,000 spectators.
London-born wing Aaron Grandidier was the star of the show, scoring two scintillating tries that underpinned France’s dominant display. The victory was particularly sweet for Les Bleus, who had been subjected to a hostile reception due to recent tensions between the two nations’ football teams. French fans have harbored grievances against Argentina’s footballers, who were criticized for their exuberant celebration of the 2022 World Cup win and were recently filmed chanting a song deemed racist towards French players. This enmity was evident as Los Pumas were met with boos whenever they took to the field.
The match began with a high level of intensity, reflecting the charged atmosphere created by the French supporters. France’s early dominance was spearheaded by back-rower Andy Timo, who scored the opening try within the first two minutes. Grandidier, who holds dual heritage with an English father and a French mother, then made his mark by sprinting down the right wing to score two more tries. Rayan Rebbadj’s accurate conversions ensured that France led 21-0 at halftime, even with their star player Antoine Dupont starting on the bench.
Grandidier’s enthusiasm was palpable as he reflected on the historic occasion. “I know we’ve only just won a quarter-final, but the emotions we’re living in this stadium we have never experienced,” he told BBC Sport. “It is really moving. Having 69,000 people for a game of sevens has never been seen in history.”
Despite the impressive lead, Argentina fought back valiantly after the break. Rodrigo Isgro and Marcos Moneta scored tries, narrowing the deficit to 21-14. Joaquin Pellandini added the conversions, giving Argentina a glimmer of hope. However, Dupont’s introduction added a crucial layer of tactical intelligence and composure to the French game. The 15s superstar’s presence helped France manage the final minutes with strategic patience, effectively stifling Argentina’s attempts to close the gap.
This victory comes after a somewhat underwhelming performance from France in the pool stage, where they finished second behind Fiji. The quarter-final match against Argentina was a statement performance, showcasing the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
As France prepares for the semi-finals, the team’s triumph is not only a testament to their skill and resilience but also a celebration of their connection with the home crowd. The fervent support from the Parisian audience created a unique atmosphere that undoubtedly inspired the French players to perform at their best.
Looking ahead, France’s journey in the Olympics men’s sevens is far from over. The semi-final clash will test their mettle further, but if their recent performance is anything to go by, the French team is poised to continue making waves in the tournament. For now, the focus remains on savoring the moment and preparing for the next challenge in what has already been an unforgettable Olympic campaign for Les Bleus.
