France finishes 5th in the London Seven Series

France could not hope for anything better than a fifth place this Sunday, on the occasion of the London stage of the Seven Series, after its frustrating loss to New Zealanders in the quarter-finals (19-17). The Blues won successively against Australia (22-19) and Ireland (21-19) to get their consolation prize.

The results of the day could have been very disappointing without the saving test of Paulin Riva, 20 seconds after the end of regulation time, to snatch victory from the Wallabies. A daring ping game, concluded by the dive of their captain, allowed the French to offer themselves a last match against the Irish.

The meeting against Clover was less trying. The Blues have never been led there. Once again, Riva came to score his team’s last try (11th) to secure victory.