As the French XV prepares to challenge the All Blacks on Saturday, some eyes are on Yoram Moefana. At 24, the center of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles finally seems to find his place among the Blues, ready to impose its power at the heart of the French game. Former Blues coach Laurent Labit, his manager Yannick Bru and former international Maxime Mermoz spoke to The Team on the impressive development of the player of Wallisian origin.
A valuable profile for the Blues
For Laurent Labit, the appeal of Moefana lies in its density and its physical impact. “ We appreciated his qualities as a puncher, with a powerful engine train, » explains Labit. A rare profile in France, where the physical density of centers is often lacking. His commitment to the contact zones and his defensive solidity convinced the staff, who saw in him a strategic alternativeparticularly on the wing to strengthen the defensive curtain. However, despite his promising start, Moefana had a downturn, perhaps paying the price for his youth and the intensity of the matches at UBB.
Progression mentale et leadership
Yannick Bru, who works with him on a daily basis at UBB, insists on Moefana's evolution beyond his physique. “ Where he has progressed the most is in his openness to the group. » Naturally reserved, Moefana learned to speakto get more involved in leader meetings.
This change in attitude says a lot about his ability to become a manager, not only through his play but also through his communication. With Noel McNamara, they are working on his ability to regulate the game, an essential asset for a center at international level.
The rise of Moefana
Former international and expert in the position, Maxime Mermoz sees Moefana on the rise: “ He is a player who is reaching maturity. » Unlike Jonathan Danty, who has had to deal with injuries in recent months, Moefana is on an upward trajectory, in a club where he has had a string of good performances. This favorable context, combined with a staff attentive to the current form, suggests a future where Moefana could assert himself as a starter in the French XV.
Against the All Blacks, Yoram Moefana will be a centerpiece of the French attack. His ability to advance through contact and play around him could prove decisive in destabilizing the New Zealand defense. With the experience he is accumulating and his growing maturity, he seems ready to take on this major challenge.
On the way to a potential turning point in his career, Moefana now has the tools to establish himself sustainably among the Blues. A raw talent, shaped by the demands of the UBB and the expectations of the XV of France, ready to leave its mark on Saturday's meeting.
