Article SUD OUEST 4 octobre 2011

04/10/2011

Une équipe locale de football australien a participé à une Coupe du Monde

Alban Schieber est un jeune illacais qui est parti en Student Exchange avec le Rotary en 2005/2006 dans la petite ville de Mount Gambier (South Australia) où il a découvert le football australien.

"Après l'avoir pratiqué pendant une année entière, le retour au rugby avait un goût amer, avoue le jeune homme. Le football australien est un sport tout jeune en France et à Bordeaux mais qui a tendance à grandir assez vite. Le club des Bordeaux Bombers a été créé en 2008 à Saint Médard pour participer à la 1e édition du championnat de France ainsi qu'à la 1e Coupe de France. Aujourd'hui, il existe des clubs à Bordeaux, Toulouse, Paris, Marseille, Montpellier, Perpignan ou encore Strasbourg. Chaque année, un championnat et plusieurs coupes sont disputés à travers le pays. En moins de 3 ans nous avons réussi à nous structurer et à créer une équipe solide pour devenir cette année championne de France. Suite à une année 2010/2011 exceptionnelle, la moitié des joueurs de l'équipe de Bordeaux a été sélectionnée pour participer à la 4e édition de la coupe du monde de Football australien. Après avoir eu l'honneur d'être capitaine de l'équipe de Bordeaux pendant 2 saisons, j'ai également eu la chance d'être sélectionné en équipe de France pour les coupes d'Europe en Croatie et en Italie mais aussi pour la coupe du Monde 2011 disputée en août à Sydney et Melbourne (Australie). En effet, cette année, la France a participé pour la 1e fois à une coupe du Monde de Football Australien à 18 joueurs. Après un début difficile contre les tenants du titre (défaite contre la Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée) l'équipe de France a été redirigée en 2e division dans laquelle elle a battu les îles Timor, l'Inde et la Peace Team (Israël et Palestine) pour jouer la petite finale contre les Fidji, qu'elle a perdu. Cependant l'équipe de France a surpris les australiens grâce à ses qualités humaines et à son esprit de fair-play. Et malgré la défaite, je vis aujourd'hui avec des souvenirs plein la tête et la fierté d'avoir pu représenter la France dans une compétition internationale."

Sport roi au pays des kangourous, le football australien se joue à 9 ou à 18 sur un terrain ovale possédant 4 poteaux à chaque extrémité. On peut y retrouver des phases de jeu du Rugby, du basket, du foot ou même du football américain. Alban est entré au "Bordeaux Bombers" en 2009 et il est actuellement l'un des 3 coachs du club (tous ont eu leur diplôme en Australie).

Photos de Melina Isaksson : Récupération de balle et cérémonie d'ouverture.

Résumé officiel de la première journée de championnat

MARDI 27 SEPTEMBRE 2011

BORDEAUX S'IMPOSE LOGIQUEMENT A STRASBOURG

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Le beau temps était de la partie pour accompagner l'ouverture du championnat de France à Strasbourg. L'équipe locale des Kangourous savait qu'elle aurait fort à faire en accueillant le champion national en titre, les Bordeaux Bombers. Cependant, l'absence de quelques internationaux (Loïc Besnard, Mikaël Trividic et Yoann Alliot-Marty) pouvait présager une équipe bordelaise affaiblie,donc un match équilibré.
C'est en effet ce qui se produisit tout au long de cette haletante rencontre puisque dès les premières minutes de la rencontre, on vit un chassé-croisé au score entre les deux équipes. Cependant à la fin du premier quart,les visiteurs bordelais prenaient l'ascendant physiquement et techniquement enchaînant une série de goals qui leur permettaient d'avoir un avantage confortable au tableau de marque: 40-19.
Lors du deuxième quart, ce sont les Strasbourgeois qui prirent l'avantage dans le jeu grâce à une domination de leur milieu. Malheureusement pour eux, la concrétisation des occasions n'étaient pas à la hauteur avec seulement 2 goals pour 4 behinds. A la mi-temps, l'avance des Bombers n'était plus que de 12 points (47-35).
Les Kangourous continuèrent à mettre la pression lors du troisième quart alors que l'équipe de Bordeaux commençait à ressentir la fatigue liée au long déplacement et à l'engagement physique de la rencontre. Cette troisième période allait être entachée par la blessure spectaculaire de Valentin Mendoza qui se déboîtait la rotule à 5 minutes du terme du quart. Ce coup du sort allait provoquer une coupure du jeu de quelques minutes et allait encore intensifier la tenson entre les deux formations.
Alors que les locaux n'étaient plus qu'à six longueurs des champions de France, ils allaient subitement se disloquer et laisser filer le match. En effet au lieu de presser leurs adversaires et de se galvaniser, les Kangourous s'énervaient et subissaient les assauts des Bordelais qui faisaient preuve d'un insolent réalisme à l'image de leur buteur Julien Correia, une fois de plus auteur d'une brillante prestation.
Au final, les Bombers se sont imposés logiquement sur le score de 95-66 grâce à un jeu plus posé et maîtrisé que des Strasbourgeois qui se sont mis la pression tout seuls.
En tout cas, ce match a prouvé que le championnat national de l'édition 2011-2012 s'annonce serré et passionnant.

LA FEUILLE DE MATCH:

STRASBOURG 9.12.66
BORDEAUX 14.11.95

Evolution du score: 1er quart:19-40 / 2ème quart: 35-47 / 3ème quart: 52-60

Arbitre: Adam LeNevez

Les buteurs:

pour Strasbourg: Dimitri Hertzog 4.1 ; Antoine Werner 2.2 ; Joevin L'Hotellier 1.4 ; Benjamin Lienhardt 1.0 ; Thibaud Denoyer 1.1 ; Angus Morrison 0.3 ; Marc Jund 0.1 ; Florent Thien 0.1

pour Bordeaux: Julien Correia 9.0 ; Alexandre Vautrin 2.2 ; Pascal Ivorra 2.3 ; Alexandre Hirth 1.0 ; Frédéric Zohar 0.3 ; Valentin Mendoza 0.1 ; Tirs contrés: 0.2

Meilleurs joueurs:

Strasbourg: Julien Tanguy, Antoine Werner, Dimitri Hertzog

Bordeaux: Julien Correia, Samuel Séjourné, Loïc Raphaël

Présentation de l'équipe de France pour Belfast

France Coqs

The French are bringing five players to Belfast who recently returned from the IC11 in Australia; Thomas Urban, Mickaël Trividic, Emilien Martinez, Pascal Ivorra and Alban Schieber.

While their experience will be greatly appreciated, coach Cyril Talon says some of their best players from the IC11 either stayed on to work in Australia after the IC, or are back in Canada, where they were playing in Montréal and Toronto.

Talon adds though "The guys in the squad like Julien and Sylvain Maylie from Toulouse, Loïc Raphaël and Julien Correia from Bordeaux are very good too and wanted to come to the IC, were unable through injury or work. They are training very hard during the summer, motivated by the french 'odyssey' in Oz. So we haven't got the best team than we could have, but a good and strong team, to play a good competition and to get our ranking in Europe at 9 a side, for me in the top 6."

The French domestic scene is also growing strong, with their 2011-12 season kicking off last weekend, with Paris defeating Toulouse 111-73 and Bordeaux over Strasbourg 95-66.

Résultats de la coupe d'Europe à Belfast

Résultat de l'équipe de France à Belfast

Date	Time	Home	Score	Points	Away	Score	Points	Location	Type	Schedule
Oct 8, 2011	4:00 pm	France	31	0	Scotland	5	0	Pitch 1	Playoffs	EuroCup 2011
Oct 8, 2011	2:00 pm	England	80	0	France	14	0	Pitch 1	EuroCup Quarter Final	EuroCup 2011
Oct 8, 2011	12:00 pm	Netherlands	1	0	France	41	2	Pitch 1	Pool A	EuroCup 2011
Oct 8, 2011	10:00 am	Denmark	24	2	France	15	0	Pitch 1	Pool A	EuroCup 2011

Classement des nations

1. Ireland

2. Croatia

3. England

4. Croatia

5. France

6. Scotland

...

13. Finland

14. Suède

...

18. Nos amis Islandais

Cette coupe d'Europe permet à l'équipe de France d'obtenir son meilleur résultat dans une compétition international.

A noté que pour cette compétition, les 5 Bombers présents étaient tous titulaires.

Alban Schieber était capitaine.

Et enfin Loic Raphaël a été élu dans l'équipe des meilleurs joueurs du tournoi.

EU CUP tirage au sort

Hot on the heels of the 2011 International Cup, Belfast is preparing to host a slew of European nations at the annual EuroCup.

Eighteen men's and two women's teams will contest this year's competition in what is shaping up to be the biggest and best attended EuroCup.

All four of the European Nations that competed in the AFL International Cup are also attending the EuroCup with International Cup winners and host nation, Ireland clear favourites. Ireland's women's team will also compete against Switzerland.


With the final teams confirmed, the random drawn fixture has been finalised.

Phase 1 will consist of six pools of three, with each team playing each other once.

The six pool winners will advance to the EuroCup Finals while the six pool runners-up will compete for the Tier 2 Plate. The third-placed teams will compete for pride in the bowl.

The top two ranked teams in each tier, i.e 1,2,7,8, 13 & 14 will advance directly to their respective Semi Finals, while the remaining teams play Quarter finals for the right to meet them.

All of this means that the lesser ranked teams will play a minimum of four games, while most teams will play four or five on the day, so hopefully all teams get value from the experience.

The Pools drawn for Phase one are as follows.

Pool A: Netherlands, France, Denmark
Pool B: Italy, Germany, Sweden
Pool C: Ireland, Europe, Austria
Pool D: England, Wales, Iceland
Pool E: Spain, Scotland, Finland
Pool F: Croatia, Catalunya, Russia

A full schedule of fixtures can be found on the AFL Europe tournament website.

Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

Des Bombers à Belfast.

Six bombers ont été sélectionné pour participer à la 5eme coupe d'Europe à 9 qui se déroulera à Belfast.

Julien Correia

Loic Raphaël

Valentin Mendoza

Pascal Ivorra

Mickaël Trividic

Alban Schieber

Bonne chance à vous 6!

Fiji triumph in Division two

Fiji v France

Fiji 9.8 (62) def France 3.3 (21)

Fiji Tribe has won the division two grand final in their first ever International Cup defeating France Coqs by 41 points.

Both teams entered this year's event relatively unknown but as the tournament progressed they improved significantly to have a shot at this year's title.

The French became a crowd favourite at IC11 with their matching uniforms (including shoes), their trademark winning celebrations and football to match.

Fiji on the other hand has been riding off the back of the AFL wave in the south pacific nations and the recent success of West Coast and Fijian-born star Nic Naitanui.

Unfortunately there could only be one winner and this time it was the Tribe's athleticism and skill which got them over the line against the determined Les Coqs.

The French kicked the opening goal of the match and were playing with plenty of run and excitement until the Fijians finally clicked into gear in the second quarter.

The Tribe kicked five goals to nil while keeping their opponents scoreless in the match defining quarter.

The Fiji juggernaut continued in the third quarter piling on their seventh unanswered goal while keeping the French scoreless.

At their best, the Tribe was switching the ball from defence to attack with ease while their forwards were weaving their way through traffic and kicking goals from all areas on the field.

Mesake Saqanamua (#23) starred for the winners and took home the medal for the best player in the Grand Final.

Both teams will take a lot out of their IC11 performances and know the areas they need to work on to challenge for the division one title in three years time.

Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

France move into div 2 final

France v Peace Team

France 5.5 (35) d Peace Team 4.5 (29)

France Coqs managed to scrape a six-point win against improved Peace Team to put the French Roosters into the division two Grand Final.

The game started out as an arm wrestle, with both sides struggling to hit targets under pressure.

France were doing all the attacking, but couldn’t convert until Gregoire Patacq kicked the first goal of the game.

The Peace Team had chances, but couldn’t get on the board minaly through decision making errors such as having a running shot on goal and putting it out on the full, instead of kicking to the man loose in the goalsquare.

At quarter time France 1.1 led Peace Team 0.0 with the start of the second term seeing the French pull further ahead through a mark and goal to Bouron.

Nimrod Vromen for the Peace Team got their first on the board, followed up by Bouron’s second for France, this time from a free kick.

The French had all the run, although the Peace Team’s pressure at the man was making it hard for them to finish. Peace Team's Kamal Abu Althom was marking strongly, creating opportunities through the centre.

Patacq kicked his second major a few minutes later from the opposite pocket to put the French three goals up.

The Peace Team had a chance to pull the margin back when Almanasra marked the ball in the goal square, but he only managed a point from dead in front, the half time score 4.1 to 1.2 in favour of the French.

At half time, Dipper exhorted his Peace Team charges to get back to basics, noting that they’d given away too many easy frees and missed goals they should have nailed.

The third quarter began with a free to the Peace Team and for the first half of the term, it looked like they were set to rally, goaling through Benvenisty and a brilliant running goal on a tight angle to Abu Althom.

France regained their momentum, but couldn’t kick a goal, going to the three quarter time break France 4.3 to Peace Team 3.2.

In the last term, fatigue showed on both teams in warm conditions.

The Peace Team looked as if they might come back, getting within a kick late in the match, but after a free kick to the Peace Team after the siren only added a point., it was France's game by seven points.

A valiant effort by the Peace Team but no win today. France will go through to the division two Grand Final on Friday where they're likely to face Fiji Tribe

France finals contenders?

India v France

France 14.15 (99) def India 1.2 (8)

India Tigers headed into the match winless having lost to New Zealand, Sweden and China in their opening three matches. While on the other hand, France Coqs had only recorded one win for the tournament - a comprehensive 109-point victory over struggling Timor-Leste.

India looked electric early continually pumping the ball into their forward 50 and they were rewarded when Prakash Kailasanathan (#18) goaled, the first for the match.

But before they had enough time to celebrate France hit back straight away through Ludovic Galiana (#98) and then Gregoire Patacq (#13) to go into the first break with a seven point lead.

When France found their kicking boots they looked unstoppable. A four goal second-quarter to nil set up a commanding 34-point lead at halftime and they continued on with it in the second half.

With India’s playing stocks low (they were down to 17 fit men for the majority of the match), the side simply couldn’t keep up with their European opponents.

As they had done in their previous match, France piled on the goals in the second half.

They raced out to a comfortable 70-point lead at three-quarter-time which was extended to 91 points when the last siren sounded.

One of the plays of the day was a 150 metre, nine bounces solo effort by Wilfried Houvion (#9) who set up his teammate for a magnificent goal.

France has now kicked 31 goals in their last two games (17 against Timor-Leste) and will be full of confidence heading into the Division 2 finals series in Melbourne next week.

France
Goal kickers: G Patacq 3, W Teissier 2, J Foirien 2, L Galiana 2, W Houviono 2, R Bonnay, J Griner, C Jan-Mahamad
Best players: W Houvion, W Teissier, G Patacq, C Jan-Mahamad, J Robert-Theis, A Schieber

India
Goal kickers: P Kailasanathan
Best players: J Himat, V Richie, D Kaushik, J D’Moore, J Akhtar, D Ross

Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

French Coqs overcome Timor's Crocs

France v Timor-Leste

France: 17. 20 (122) def Timor-Leste: 2. 1 (13)

In trying conditions at Blacktown, France Les Coqs took on Timor-Leste Crocs in their opening division 2 match.

France began the game brilliantly, kicking two goals in the first two minutes.

Timor responded by kicking their first goal of IC11, fueling plenty of spirit at the first break.

Injuries were the main story in the second quarter,

With two Timor players having to leave the field for treatment, France's increased pressure as well as skill level showed with the Coqs kicking three goals to none.

In the second half, Timor's limited bench players gave them nowhere to turn and France ran away with the game, kicking a further 12 goals to the Croc's single.

France:
Goal kickers: Galiana 3, Zohah 2, Houvian 2, Labigang 2, Giner 1, Besnard 1, Mahamad 1, Pabacq 1, Charlet 1, Bouron 1, Ivorra 1, Finnsson 1.
Best players: Theis, Patacq, Ivorra, Mahammad, Trividic and Brehiere

Timor-Leste
Goal kickers: Ferreira 2
Best players: Carlos, Anitsel, Hakim, Adelio, Florindo, A.Ferreira

Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

IC11 Group 1 Match Reports

PNG v Tonga

PNG 6.8 (44) def Tonga 1.1 (7)

Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes opened the 4th AFL International Cup with a solid win over the Tonga Tigers. PNG started a little slowly with Tonga's Simote Taunga running on to a loose ball and kicking the opening goal of the tournament.

But the Mozzies steadied and started using their running handball style to good effect, leading at half time 3.4 (22) to 1.1 (7).

The sunshine was warm but the Tongans felt the heat in the second half, with their defence under siege. Defenders resorted to bombing the ball out of their defensive 50m and PNG peppered the goals.

2008 star Amua Pirika cruised around half forward looking dangerous, but didn't have his kicking boots on.

The Mozzies appeared to be kicking further than 2008, using the ball more efficiently and ultimately pulled away to a comfortable win. A brave first up effort from Tonga and they will give some of the middle-ranked sides a run for their money.

PNG
Goal Kickers: E. Wartovo 2, A. Pinda 2, B. Beno
Best Players: T. Carbry, E. Wartovo, J. Ikupu, S. Susuve, G. Aki, A. Pirika

Tonga
Goal Kickers: S. Taunga
Best Players: H. Loni , P. Mahina, T. Fihaki, S. Nau, F. Jnr Ta''ai, H. Fisitalia

by Troy Thompson

---

PNG v France

PNG 10.10 (70) def France 0.0 (0)

In fine sunny conditions in Sydney's Blacktown, the scene was set for the French Les Coqs to debut on Australian soil.

In a massive ask, they took on reigning IC champions Papua New Guinea in what was likely the toughest task the French will face in this tournament.

PNG opened the scoring, but the next PNG forward thrust was thwarted to the cheers of the French supporters as their centre half back, Patacq, claimed a mark and cleared the defensive zone.

Shortly after, PNG's Pirika provided a Blair Campbell moment with a glorious banana from the right forward pocket to extend the early lead.

The French were momentarily inspired by a strong tackle from Gregoire Patacq, earning a free on the half back boundary in front of the cheering French bench.

At half time, the score was PNG 5.6 (36) with France yet to score.

The second half saw PNG inspired by clean forward Susuve -- coming off Gold Coast TAC/VFL experience -- and PNG again dominated the scoreboard.

To their credit, The French persisted well regularly got first hands on the ball from the centre ruck. However, PNG ran out comfortable victors over the scoreless French.

PNG
Goal kickers: S. Susuve 4, B. Beno 2, P. Lambi , A. Pirika, J. Nemete, T. Gavuri
Best Players: T. Gavuri, S. Susuve, B. Sovare, G. Simon, P. Lambi, E. Wartovo

France
Best Players: C. Jan-Mahamad, M. Trivdic, P. Thomas Finnsson, L. Besnard, P. Ivorra, G. Patacq

by Michael Christiansen

---

Tonga v France

Tonga 7.6 (48) def France 1.1 (7)

The Tongan Tigers broke through for their first International Cup victory, defeating a spirited French side. The Tigers were ferocious at the ball but France's tall timber such as Mickael Trividic (#31) gave them first use of the ball in the centre.

Several forward thrusts by France went unrewarded and it was Tonga who started scoring goals. Sione Tupou (#28) was using his size to good advantage, busting tackles and having shots on goal.

At half time it was Tonga 3.2 (20) with no score to France.

The second half started with a bit of niggle, and it was France's James-Robert Theis (#11) who made history.

A good solid chest mark was followed by the first goal for France in International Cup history.

But Tonga answered quickly with a beautiful goal by Kafoa Tuaefe (#17) after he weaved through traffic to kick from the goal square. In the end it was Tonga that celebrated its first International Cup victory.

Tonga
Goal Kickers: S. Taunga, S. Nau, P. Mahina, K. Tuaefe, S. Tupou , U. Kivalu, A. Epenisa
Best Players: P. Mahina, K. Tuaefe, H. Fisitalia, U. Kivalu, T. Fihaki, S. Nau

by Brett Northey

---

World Footy News

IC11 team profiles

FRANCE
France will make its international debut in the International Cup in 2011, but 'Les Coqs' have been active since 2004 when they first played in the EU Cup. The first French team was established in 1995 close to Le Havre in Normandy with the first match played in Normandy in 2000.

In 2008 the first French Cup was played in Paris and there currently are seven teams playing across two leagues.

One of first the Australian football matches played outside Australia was in France in 1916 during World War I at the Somme. A feature in the French football calendar is the annual Anzac Cup played between French and Australian ex-pat teams in Villers-Bretonneux.

Brett Kirk says: "France are an unknown quantity. I did see a few of their players, one guy in particular who is one of the best European players going around."

France Coqs Team List

French Coqs up for the challenge

Country: France
Capital: Paris
Population: 65,000,000
National language: French
Number of AFL participants: 150
Team nickname: Les Coqs
National sport: Soccer and Rugby Union

Road to the International Cup:
Australian Football was played in France for the first time during the First World War. After a few attempts to develop the game in the 1990s, some Australians and French created clubs in Paris and Strasbourg in 2004. Since then, five other clubs have been created in the south of the country. Some of them have established relationships with AFL Premiership clubs (Hawthorn and Fremantle).

For a couple of years, the French Australian clubs have affiliated to a national association, called “Union Nationale Sportive Léo Lagrange”. This association, recognised by the French government and the French Olympic Committee, helps clubs in their development and management, according to French government expectations. Inside this association, a board was created to manage the Australian football body: the “Commission Nationale de Football Australien” (CNFA).

Now French football has a national championship and a cup. Since 2004, the national team has played every European Cup and has participated in the European Championship with Iceland (mixed team). The team has been engaged in the International Cup for more than a year.

Because of the lack of knowledge of football in France, it is hard to find sponsors and help to participate. But everyone in the team is very invested in this adventure and all the players and staff have paid their own money to travel and stay. We thank our partners for furnishing all our equipment for the competition.

For the last three years the French have organised a game against a selection of Australian expats living in Europe to commemorate ANZAC Day. The games are played in Villers-Bretonneux and until this year were played in the 9-a-side format. They are now played in full format on a dedicated oval overlooking the Australian memorial.

Even if the team doesn’t have the full-format experience, playing at IC11 is a challenge that we accept.

France Q&A

How did the team come together?
The majority of our players come from France but we also have some who play in Canada and in Australia. So we made an appointment to get together in Sydney one week before Cup begins.

How long have you been training for?
We organised many training events during the year with all the players living in France. To welcome the other French coming from overseas, we will organise trainings during the week before the Cup.

Did Brett Kirk train with you?
No, just a lunch with the Paris team.

How do you think you’ll go at the International Cup?
It will depend on the seeding round. But if we are in the Division 2 we think that we have a chance to win it.

How did your country start playing AFL?
AFL began in 2004, introduced by Australian expats in Paris. But all other clubs were started by French people.

Why play AFL?
It is a complete sport, physically intense, easy to learn the basics, and everyone can play it.

What is your perception of Australia?
This is the dream of many French people. The country looks beautiful and the Australian culture is very attractive.

Most exciting part of this trip for you?
For many of us, this is our first time to Australia; discovering the original game and representing our country are awesome.

Who do you think will be your toughest opponent?
Our first game in the competition is against PNG, they are our toughest opponent, but we don’t expect much about this game. We think the Tonga match will be crucial for the rest of the competition.

Can you see AFL becoming a truly international game in the future?
Yes, probably in a decade. For that, if an international association is created, recognised by the International Olympic Committee, a continental association could be created and national association will be recognised by the national government (especially in Europe)

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