It took a big mistake by the modest Uruguayan "Teros", 17th in the world rankings, for the Blues, approximate and undisciplined, to give themselves air with a second try (20-12, 55th), scored by the incoming Peato Mauvaka, after the first of the N.10 Antoine Hastoy (10-5, 11th).

The late try of winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey (27-12, 73rd), who became the youngest French player to play in a World Cup, finished killing the suspense at the same time as inflating the score.

But would the French have scored a second success in their Group A if in his 22 meters, Uruguayan opener Felipe Etcheverry had not sent the ball bouncing off a teammate, allowing the French hooker to flatten?

Uruguayan winger Nicolas Freitas resists the return of Gabin Villière and scores the first try of the World Cup match between Uruguay and France in the 6th of the match played on September 14, 2023 at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve d'Ascq (Nord) © Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP / Archives

Previously, Fabien Galthié's usual finishers and complementary players were tossed around, having to save their refereeing decisions several times. As against the New Zealanders, the Blues conceded an early try (6th).

Less depth than expected

And the match could have gone frankly wrong if the yellow card received by the second line Romain Taofifenua (27th) had turned red for his high tackle on the scrum-half of the Teros and player of Castres, Santiago Arata. Or if the second Uruguayan try had not been cancelled for obstruction of an opponent without the ball (34th).

Without Antoine Dupont, resting like the main managers (Matthieu Jalibert, Gaël Fickou Grégory Alldritt), the substitutes did not shine. And for his return from injury, six months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, third line Anthony Jelonch signed 50 discreet minutes (3 tackles) for the standards of this basic man of the Grand Slam 2022.

Romain Taofifenua on September 14, 2023 during the France's laborious 27-12 win over Uruguay. The second line took a yellow card in the 27th minute for high tackle © FRANCK FIFE / AFP/Archives

As for the second line Bastien Chalureau, the controversial selection after his conviction at first instance for racist violence, he entered in the 50th minute in place of Taofifenua.

The Blues, diminished by several injuries of senior players in recent weeks, display less depth than hoped. But there is still a month to go before the explosive quarter-final that looms in mid-October, probably against Ireland, the world's leading nation, or South Africa, crowned four years ago.

Until then, their next match against Namibia in a week in Marseille, or the next one on October 6 against Italy in Lyon will be an opportunity to see center Jonathan Danty, hooker Julien Marchand and left pillar Cyril Baille, injured muscularly.

Because the qualification for the final phase is very little doubt for the band of Antoine Dupont, resting Thursday, it is enough to rank among the first two of his group.

© 2023 AFP