A few days before facing New Zealand (this Saturday at 9:10 p.m.), the French XV had the nice surprise of receiving Benoît Saint Denis in Marcoussis on Tuesday. The MMA fighter, a big rugby fan, spent several hours alongside the Blues.
A shock against New Zealand is brewing. If the XV of France was able to count on the return of 19 players (including Charles Ollivon and Gabin Villière) for this working week, this Tuesday the Blues received a special guest in Marcoussis: Benoît Saint Denis. The French MMA fighter spent a whole day with the players.
XV of France parka, hands in pocket, “BSD” was at ease at the edge of the pitch. Because before wearing the mitts, the Nîmes first handled the oval ball. “I played number 6, third wing line, I always enjoyed defending,” he explains to Infosport+. Although he only played rugby for one year (from the ages of 15 to 16), Benoît Saint Denis always loved the sport. As he himself says, if he had practiced a collective discipline, “it would be rugby.”
Discuss their mutual sports
During this day spent alongside the Blues, the Frenchman took the opportunity to discuss with some, including Julien Marchand and Matthieu Jalibert, about their respective sports, which have certain similarities. “What can come close to our sport are these phases of apprehension, when there is contact, with the tackles, the rucks. It is also this professionalism of the preparation, all the staff that there “It's a sport that is developed and very professional, where MMA is under development, it's very interesting to see that with a spectator's eye,” he says, still on the microphone. 'Infosport+.
Although mixed martial arts remains an individual sport, Benoît Saint Denis also finds a collective aspect to it, with sparring. Training sessions where he fights at a more or less intense intensity against other fighters who are there to prepare him for his next meeting.
A big fan of rugby, but especially of Bayonne, “BSD”, who had already visited the facilities of his favorite club and the Stade Jean-Dauger, was delighted with the new call-up of Tevita Tatafu. “It’s great to have a player from the club in the selection, he played against Japan already, very happy for him,” he confided, with a smile on his lips. The right pillar of Rowing, in great form at the start of the Top 14, had his first selection against Japan (52-12) last Saturday and was once again called upon by Fabien Galthié, who is counting on him, even more so with the Uini Atonio package.
“Touched to be here, in such an important week”
The arrival of the man nicknamed the “God of War” this week is no coincidence. Known for his wars fought in the UFC octagon, Benoît Saint Denis characterizes this appetite for surpassing himself and giving of oneself. And on Saturday, at 9:10 p.m., the French XV will have to show courage against New Zealand, the second nation in the world. “I'm touched to be here, in such an important week. There are a good number of players who have never played against the All Blacks, it's a special moment in a playing career,” said Saint Denis Tuesday. Little by little, the pressure builds. While waiting for this weekend's shock, the Blues trained at high intensity this Wednesday.
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