Shifted to the third wing position, the former Exeter player has found playing time in recent weeks associated with Billy Vunipola. He was this Thursday, October 24 at a press conference.
How do you feel this week after the defeat in Toulon?
It is, obviously, disappointing to lose in Toulon. We felt, especially in the first half, that we had a good strategy and we are happy with our performance in the first half. But it's a bit the same as the last matches. We were good in the first half, then we ran out of steam in the second. So there are positives in this match. But for us, it was a game we felt we could win. So it’s a match that perhaps escaped us. But we have to take these positives for this week at home against La Rochelle who are a strong team. So there are positives, but we are still disappointed to have lost.
The Top 14 ranking
Is it necessary to win at home?
I think so. When you look at the rest of the championship, it's difficult to win away. We are in a position where we have to take points, whether at home or away. We have two matches left in this block. We really need to focus on winning this weekend and then taking points in Castres as well.
How do you explain the two faces that the team can have in the same match, is it mentally, physically that you struggle?
I think maybe it's mentally, yes. It's difficult to explain. It's obvious that we start the match well, we are competitive and we fight really well to win the match. And then stupid mistakes allow teams to gain momentum. This is the story of the season so far. Stupid mistakes and discipline that allows other teams to get into the game.
We are improving
Have you seen progress in this area in Toulon?
Yes, I think so. As I said, the first half was very positive. We went in at 10-6 at the break, we defended very well. Toulon had a lot of possession in our 22 meters and we defended well, we stopped them from getting in and we were quite disciplined. In the second half, the opposite happened. But I think we are improving and putting together better passages of play and longer periods.
But the match lasts 80 minutes, it's not the first 40 or the 40 seconds. We have to be better, we have to push ourselves to have higher standards and to be in the game for 80 minutes because it's too easy for the other team.
Happy to play with Vunipola
It seems difficult for the team to concentrate for 80 minutes.
This is what we must do, individually and collectively. Yes, I think we need to strive to be more focused, especially in the big moments of matches, especially when we feel like we are doing well, doing well, then releasing our attention and allowing the other team to gain momentum. Like I said, especially on the outside, it's hard to get back on track. So yes, we have to focus on this weekend. We cannot relax, we cannot relax at all. La Rochelle is too strong for that.
You have played as a number seven more often this season. I know you have played this position many times during your career. Does this change anything for you?
Whether it's six, seven or eight, I'm happy to play alongside Billy Vunipola. We didn't have many chances to play together in the England team, but we played against each other a lot when I was at Exeter and he was at Saracens. So it's good to team up and play alongside him, and whether that means me having to play six or seven, I'm happy with that.
