Bielle-Biarrey, Depoortere Shine as France Overpower Australia 48-33
PARIS – France secured a dominant 48-33 victory over Australia in their Quilter Nations Series clash on Saturday, fueled by standout performances from winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey and fly-half Nicolas Depoortere. The win underscores France’s continued momentum as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, showcasing a potent attacking style and emerging talent.
Bielle-Biarrey, barely 20 years old when initially selected for the national squad despite still being eligible for the U-20s Rugby World Cup, has quickly become indispensable, according to former player Kayser. ”He was barely 20 years old when he was taken out of the Rugby World cup U-20s to go to be put in the French squad and everybody thought Fabien galthie was losing the plot,” Kayser observed. “But now, how can we play without him? He’s got gas for days. He’s an electric scooter on his own. He’s just an electric player.” Kayser highlighted Bielle-Biarrey’s ability to “gas people, putting it on the boot and then stepping whilst catching it at pace,” placing him in competition with world-class talents like Cheslin Kolbe and Bryan Habana.
Another player rapidly gaining recognition is center Gurguous Kalvin. Kayser admitted he was unfamiliar with Kalvin as recently as August, but noted his swift impact. “I’ll be honest, I did not know who he was in August. As he’s played eight or 10 games of Top 10,everybody knows him. Has left his business card on everybody’s shorts.” Kalvin’s exceptional skill set, particularly his ability to deliver a 25-meter right-hand pass at full speed with accuracy, was singled out. “He’s got the gas,the audacity,but the ability to pass that 25-metre right-hand pass without taking his foot off the gas,and still be accurate,is a special piece of skill.”
Kayser drew comparisons between Kalvin and Wesley Fofana,a former teammate in the French national team and at claremont. “He reminds me of Wesley Fofana… Amazing gas, great flair, superb talent, and can play 12 or 13.” Kayser anticipates a shift in Kalvin’s positioning,suggesting,”I think they’re going to move him to 12 a lot more as that jersey seems to suit him quite nicely.”
