Do you see a cause and effect link between the bad Toulouse series at the start of the fall and the absence of Jack Willis? Because we do!
After 3 weeks of languishing due to a muscular problem in his thigh, the English pruner has since played all the Hauts-Garonnais matches. Assessment? 5 wins in 6 matches.
Champions Cup. Dupont returns, Ahki forfeits: the probable line-up of Stade Toulousain against Ulster
And if we obviously cannot summarize the resurgence of form of such a team with one man, it is clear that Willis has at least resolved the problems in the rucks since his return. He who is an infallible support in offensive situations and a real poison on the ground for the opponent.
English as an added advantage
This is further evidenced by his match last weekend on the Racing pitch. In an unusual Créteil venue, the Englishman was as good as usual. Like his two winning contests in the first period (30th and 38th) and a last one at the very end of the match (79th) which ensured Toulouse's victory.
Valuable in defense and in all types of combat, he is also the one who scores the first try of the match, in power. And the one who was named captain for the real/false doubles of Stade Toulousain continues to show match after match that he is not a temporary worker.
Because if Antoine Dupont will logically recover his armband for the Champions Cup matches, in the name of his status, his aura and his unique influence on the referees today, there is no doubt that Willis had to become substitute in this role, in the eyes of Ugo Mola.
TOP 14. Jack Willis, master of the ground and cornerstone of the Toulouse game
For these European matches where mastery of the language of Shakespeare is necessary, the Englishman can indeed represent a new asset for Toulouse. Just two years and 3 titles after his arrival, the former Wasps 3rd row has simply become indispensable to the best team in Europe. All this without ever making too much noise. This is Jack Willis.
