His first try of the season, his back and forth with the Blues… Matthis Lebel (Toulouse) with an open heart

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Gray sky, 5 degrees and collective training which ends at Stade Toulousain at around 5 p.m. As is often the case, Matthis Lebel comes forward with a smile. The international winger or full-back from Toulouse (25 years old; 6 caps) is always in a good mood, and not the type to shy away from stinging subjects. For At the time of Rugbyhe agreed to talk about his 3 months of hunger, he who scored his first try of the season with the Rouge et Noir against Ulster. Lebel also looked at the French XV file: called up in the extended lists, he never played in the fall and increased the number of back and forths.

Lebel and his first try of the season

Actu : Matthis, you scored your first try of the season against Ulster last Sunday. Relieved ?

Matthis Lebel : Relieved, I don't know if that's the right word. Of course, as a winger, it's nice to score because we're driven by it. Afterwards, I already had periods where I didn't score, and I focused on something else above all. Sometimes it comes back. Afterwards, that doesn't mean that as I scored on Sunday, I will continue to do so every weekend to come. I don't see things that way.

On this try, which came after 85 seconds of play, did you really feel the personal desire to score after this 3-month drought?

M.L : Above all, I told myself that I had better finish it because there is half a second where I can make the pass inside for an unstoppable try (smile). This action really resembles Stade Toulousain, with fast play, initiative, almost the entire 3/4 line touching the ball… It's something that drives us on a collective level. Afterwards, it goes quickly, and I must admit that it didn't matter much.

Have you been thinking in recent weeks about not scoring, you who are used to crossing the opponent's goal line (58 tries in 135 matches with Toulouse, Editor's note)?

M.L : No, I didn't think. Because I have not forgotten one thing: the very essence of rugby, which is a team sport. Afterwards, there were actions at the start of the season where I could finish the shot alone, like against Pau. As I am demanding, I have to finish, and of course I can bite my fingers on that. At the same time there are collective actions, where you participate without scoring. I also think that I scored less because I played in particular contexts, notably being aligned in away matches (6 out of 9, Editor's note). The context is not the same compared to a match in an Ernest-Wallon in turmoil. There really is everything to take into account. Yes, I like to score, but I also take refuge behind the collective and there is no victory or defeat alone.

His view on his performances

How do you judge your start to the season on a personal level?

M.L : I had difficulty stringing together matches, something I did in previous seasons. I hurt my back during the semi-final won against La Rochelle (which deprived him of the Top 14 final, Editor's note) and I was not able to do a lot of summer physical preparation, something I had planned to do. habit of doing. It took me a while to get back to my physical standards. And we must recognize that among the emulation present within the group, certain wingers, who were able to prepare well and thus be close to 100% of their physical potential, performed. Afterwards, I don't think I was catastrophic either… I tried to make the best copies possible when I was lined up.

Do you think you are gaining strength and feeling much better physically at the end of this calendar year?

M.L : Yes, totally. To be able to string together matches, the engine must be there. And probably I didn't have it at the start of the season. I also recognize that teammates had great matches. I am lucky enough to be able to discuss quite freely with my coaches and we discussed the subject. Yes, I hope a good period is coming for me.

The competition has always been strong here in Toulouse, but do you think it has never been so strong in this winger position since you played professionally?

M.L : When I arrived in first grade, I had Yoan Huget, Max Médard, Arthur Bonneval, then Cheslin Kolbe. Looking back, it wasn't bad anyway (laughs). There, we see a certain renewal with a very healthy emulation between us. It's quite young, we're all in the same age category roughly, whereas when I arrived, Médard and Huget represented a certain amount of experience.

Lebel and the XV of France

You admit to having been less well for several weeks. Is this also what can explain that during the fall tour of the XV of France, you increased the number of return trips?

M.L : That, you have to ask Fabien Galthié. Afterwards, I think that if I had had a better start to the season, maybe things would have been different. There are two wingers who are really in place, above the rest, and you really have to be aware of that. Since I haven't had a string of performances, I would be in a bad position to step up and ask for explanations. I am clear about my performances, but that does not take away my determination to want to be in this group and to count seriously.

Is there not something to be inspired by Gabin Villière, who was not capped for more than a year and who finally had an opportunity this fall?

M.L : We all have different backgrounds. I think one day things may come back for me. The difference is that with the XV of France, I perhaps did not have the chance to be exposed regularly. I am proud and grateful to have 6 caps, but it was never in the most favorable context possible. But once again: my determination is still there, and I hope it will be my turn one day. I remain aware that this also involves big, big performances with Stade Toulousain. I'll focus on that first, and if it's funny, I'll be ready!

Do you regret that you were never really given the opportunity to settle into this French XV?

M.L : I think there were times when I could have had my chance. Finally, certain players were moved to the wing, or many other choices were made, and I can't do anything about that, while respecting the decisions of the Blues staff. I'm not the ugly duckling who goes looking for the slightest trouble. Obviously, sometimes you get frustrated, because I've been around this thing for 3-4 years and there have been opportunities to leave me in two matches in a row or in more favorable contexts…

We follow you…

M.L : This was not the case because perhaps I did not know how to give the staff enough confidence. The first person to blame is me.

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