Integrated into the France group for winter 2020 and formerly an inveterate “premium”, Gabin Villière only has 16 selections. An anomaly due largely to injuries, obviously, while a downgrade in the eyes of the Blues staff following the emergence of Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been an invitation to the game, since the 2023 World Cup.
As a result, over the last 3 years, the Norman has experienced 2 crossings of the desert in selection. Absences of 17 then 13 months, interspersed with a few matches that weren't really successful, which took him out of Fabien Galthié's group of favorites.
RUGBY. The French XV deprived of one of its main offensive weapons against the All Blacks
Marked by this episode morally and physically which had suffered in his flesh over the last two years, Villière had difficulty following the return from the World Cup. Until missing the 2024 6 Nations Tournament and then injuring his knee. The chalice to the dregs.
A return to form
But you know, the RCT helmet is a valiant one. So much so that months later and after an interesting return to the club since the end of last season thanks to a newfound punch, the child from Vire will in turn take advantage of the injuries of others to find the starting XV of the Blues.
In 2021, he had – like a good number of his teammates – one of the best matches of his career in the Blue jersey, despite some approximations on defensive placements. Repeat in 2024? We would sign straight away. Even if the valiant Gabin never really found the burning fire that animated him at that moment.
VIDEO. In 2022, mad dog Gabin Villière knew how to give extra soul to the BluesHowever, at the dawn of his 17th selection, we will note that the (soon) 29-year-old winger has been coming back well in recent months. He has regained some juice which allows him to win many duels again and to have become as aggressive defensively again, while being able to take part in the challenge of the rucks, his guilty pleasure.
VIDEO. TOP 14. Interval take, acceleration, Gabin Villière leaves his business card to the All Black GoodhueA sometimes excessive desire, since the Toulonnais is the 3/4 most penalized in the Top 14 this season, with 10 fouls on the clock in 6 matches. But the grinta is here again and could be useful to control the overpowered Caleb Clarke, who doesn't like to be rushed!
He did all the preparation with us, which was very beneficial to him physically – explained the RCT three-quarter coach, Andrea Masi, for RMC Sports.
On Saturday, the challenge will therefore be to control it to provide only the best to the Blues. Without neglecting his wing too much or exposing himself by letting himself get too sucked into defense. Especially since he should play in the right lane for the first time in his career. Who knows if the benchmarks will be the same…
