France rugby team plays practice match against Pirates

GREENSIDE – Pirates Rugby Club gets a crack at France before the Springboks do.

June 6, 2017

Nicholas Zaal 1 minute read

Jonathan Danty of France works his way through a tackle.

Stor-Age Pirates Rugby Club had the honour of hosting the France national team for a practice game ahead of their three-Test series against the Springboks.

The fact that the les Chanticleers (les Tricolores) crushed the local club meant little, as for Pirates it was all about the privilege of testing their mettle against France’s best.

A small crowd of French expats and Pirates fans attended the match on 3 June, as the playing of the game was kept as quiet as possible. No other South African newspapers were present save for the Northcliff Melville Times.

Virimi Vakatawa of France heads towards the try line.

Kevin Gourdon of France is brought down by Francois Nicholas of Pirates.

No scores were recorded, but when Pirates scored a breakaway try, the crowd went wild as if Pirates had won.

Francois Nicholas of Pirates Rugby Club walks back after dotting down the only try for Pirates.

“Wow it was nice to score that try,” Francois Nicholas said after the game. “The French are a very good side – very fast.”

Kevin Gourdon of France places the ball after a tackle.

Pirates Rugby Club players (left) give their all against France.

After the game, the French signed autographs for fans and shared a braai and beer with the local players.

Vincent Rattez of France signs autographs for Alistair Soubeiga, Manon Bihry, and Inés Riché.

“Rugby exists for the moments we share together,” said France forward coach, Yannick Bru. “It’s nice to share a beer with the boys, it shows the spirit of rugby.”

Pirates players work hard to tackle Yacouba Camara of France.

Clément Maynadier passes down the line for France.

Pirates treasurer Stephan de Beer said the French had requested the game as a warm-up, and it was an absolute honour to host them.

Sean Cressy of Pirates looks for a passing option.

The local captain, Dale Swanepoel, commented how he had learnt from the French during the match about how to control each set piece with technical perfection.