Flanker of La Rochelle Despite a good performance, the third row could not do anything against the Toulouse stadium against whom he regrets another defeat. However, he flew out on Sunday to join the French team in Argentina.
What feeling prevails after this defeat?
We are very disappointed. We had the means to win this semi-final. We can talk about lots of things, cards, whatever we want but it’s a shame because we have the experience of winning these matches. It’s sad because the score doesn’t reflect the match.
Despite the boxes, did you believe you were going to come back?
We believed in it until the end. Even at 13, we continued to work. We felt that things could go our way but after the hour mark we were no longer able to take advantage of our opportunities. Afterwards, it was too late.
Is this scrum at the hour mark the turning point of the match?
Completely. We choose to resume the scrum, we should have put it at the bottom. It seemed to me that the scrum was rather stable but afterwards… It’s difficult to speak in the heat of the moment.
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Top 14 – Toulouse – La Rochelle: referee Tual Trainini details his decisions on the cards to Uini Atonio, Julien Marchand and Reda Wardi
Was the frustration too much for Reda Wardi?
Reda is taken down and he responds but once again our defeat does not come from the cards and everyone must question themselves. We’ve been participating in the final stages for several years, we have to know how to manage these moments.
How were Reda Wardi and Uini Atonio in the dressing room?
They of course had a little word. They were very disappointed and we hear them, but now we are not going to overwhelm them. It’s the defeat of the whole team.
How did you experience this first semi-final?
It’s very complicated because I’m super competitive and I’m not satisfied with a semi-final. I wanted to win. It’s very hard. La Rochelle is my club. It’s amazing… because once again it’s Toulouse, and once again we had the means. Personally, I felt good. I still felt that these are separate matches and that this requires gaining experience. It will come.
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You say “Toulouse again”, does that add to your frustration?
We have the impression that they have a certain “chance” against us, with cards, facts of play… I have the impression that we give them everything every time.
Do you have complexes?
I don’t know. Against them, it often works in their favor. Are we making excuses? I don’t know. In any case, it’s often against them that we make mistakes that we don’t make the rest of the season.
How did you experience this season?
She was very tough. But what matters is the end and it is beautiful even if we don’t win. The group has enormous strength of character. The Rochelais stadium and there and it will always be there.
Are you going to Argentina?
Yes, I received a call and I’m leaving on Sunday. It’s nice to be called, but I’m going to have to change very quickly because the disappointment is immense. I’m going to attack my first “selection” for the French team.
Would you have signed for such a season with these ups and downs?
I would have signed straight away. It wasn’t done, I had to work hard but the whole club helped me to come back. Today I managed to show the good side of it all and that’s the most important thing.
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