Obviously valuable for concentrating opponents, the Toulouse player will also be eagerly awaited for his ability to exert influence in the phases of collective combat and to deliver offensive tackles.
Of course, there are several readings of Emmanuel Meafou's performance against Japan. Compared to the undermining work required of him, the second line of Stade Toulouse is capable of going further, of being more precise and more efficient. This was also a part of the analysis delivered by the French management internally. Expect more, always… This is the downside of an almost unlimited potential. His unique body (145 kg for 2.03 m) and his velvet hands obviously place Meafou in this caste. This is a good thing, it is also the credo of the boy, who recently admitted in these columns: “I can always improve and that must remain my ambition.” Especially when New Zealand, his country of birth from which he left at just 2 years old, presents itself. “Playing against the All Blacks is an exceptional opportunityhe also said. I want to be in front of them.”
And his presence could be a boon for the Blues staff, convinced that it will be necessary to take the upper hand in front, and in particular physically, to dominate New Zealand. However, Meafou will be more than ever a significant asset. Firstly concerning the conquest phases, where his contribution will be considerable in closed scrums and on carried balls. Two decisive sectors of the collective fight, especially if we refer to the last two successes of Scott Robertson's men, in England and Ireland… Still an orphan of Uini Atonio, Meafou will be the sure bet of the French right axis . And God knows how worthy he will have to be to, at the very least, counter the All Blacks wanting to put the Tricolores under pressure on the fundamentals.
Defense, a decisive sector
But, in the game too, the Toulouse player will have considerable importance. Against the Brave Blossoms, he was the preferred spearhead, during the first half of the game, to fix the defense and concentrate the Japanese. Necessarily favoring shifts further and relieving Grégory Alldritt in this role. Also, his technical quality allowed him, on several occasions, to make the pass before contact and therefore to indirectly create excess numbers perfectly exploited by his partners on the outside. This is why Fabien Galthié described it as “exceptional number 5”adding that it is “still being discovered internationally” and that it is necessary “improve it”. The opportunity is great. When the technician listed his strengths, he said: “He is skilled with his hands, reads situations well, has rare power and is a very strong defender.”
It is worth dwelling on these last words. Because this is one of the areas in which it is most anticipated. While Anthony Jelonch has not yet regained his best level, Meafou is the Frenchman most qualified to deliver “stamps” and push the opponent back. Author of nine tackles against Japan, he especially accumulated several offensive ones. Essential in modern Rugby to gain the upper hand in arm wrestling. And to remember his words, a month ago, when he spoke of his recent development: “I particularly focused on defense, an area in which I wanted to do better. The idea is to use my weight.”
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