Dn a Stade Rochelais pack renowned for its thick builds, Oscar Jegou, his 90 meter tall and 90 kg weight are an enigma that Leinster, expected this Sunday at Deflandre, has never had to solve. Because if he already has one selection with the Blues, the 21-year-old third row will only play his 25th match in yellow and black this Sunday (4:15 p.m.). The third in the Champions Cup after the victories at Bath (20-24), where he scored the first try, and against Bristol (35-7). However, against these Pat Lam Bears, his 13 balls caught in touch (on 18 throws) were a reminder of the extent to which, a month and a half after his return to the game, the U20 world champion in 2023 quickly became indispensable again.
This was the case at the end of last season when, corrected by the Irish in Dublin in the quarter-final of what was no longer the European Cup (40-13), La Rochelle reinstated it in its fifteen following week, in Castres, and had not taken him out since mid-May. On June 15, he delivered a breathtaking performance in the play-off in Toulon (29-34); on the 21st, after a semi-final defeat against Toulouse, he admitted to being summoned by Fabien Galthié for the tour of the XV of France in South America. On July 6, he made a major performance in Argentina against the Pumas (13-28). Two days later, he found himself, with Palois Hugo Auradou, at the heart of the Mendoza affair.
A cyclone without impact?
Accused of violent gang rape in July, they were found not guilty by dropping the charges and dismissing the case pronounced on December 10 by the Argentine courts (the complainant’s appeal will be examined on February 10). A five-month cyclone, extremely publicized, for the moment without impact on the performances of Oscar Jegou. Brilliant for his recovery against Paris (35-18), on November 2, he continued his XL performances (only one penalty conceded in five Top 14 matches, two missed tackles, 149 meters gained, etc.) and made headlines again for good reasons.
Oscar Jegou’s statistics in Top 14.
On January 4, against Toulouse, it was he who launched his team’s first try. After a counter on Simon Daroque, the flanker knelt down to better subtly lift the ball towards Tolu Latu. More than twenty minutes later, he was on hand for Grégory Alldritt to convert a gem of a pass on a step into his third personal try of the season.
“When you see the energy he gives off on the pitch, it’s just crazy…”
Happy that people have noticed his offering – “often, I am told that I don’t make a pass” – the La Rochelle captain becomes more serious to talk about his younger brother, “a needy person who doesn’t talk much but who, by his actions, gives a lot of energy to his teammates. He is inspiring, even for the oldest, those with more experience, because he brings the whole team along with him. When you see the energy he gives off on the pitch, it’s just crazy…”
In the 42 Blues on Wednesday?
Hybrid profile with good hands and a good sense of the game, capable of playing after contact and long rides, very effective (and light) in touch, he was however not cited by Ronan O’Gara among the forwards able to play with the three-quarters (Levani Botia, Paul Boudehent, Matthias Haddad-Victor, Judicaël Cancoriet), this Sunday, the bench only having one back (Hoani Bosmorin). This shows the essential side of the 3rd line, capable of tackling very hard despite its size. It is not the Parisian “JJ” van der Mescht and his 145 kg, severely shaken on November 2, who will say the opposite.
“We can work on technique, skills and talent, but attitude is non-negotiable. His is already enormous, emphasizes Sean Dougall, in charge of contact attitudes, precisely, in La Rochelle. Considering its weight, it hits very hard. Physically, he has worked, he is strong, he is technically good. He works, does extras and is talented. But above all, he is ready for the fight. » Which denotes a little, in the maritime ranks, Jegou being one of the rare ones to demonstrate consistency in this register.
“Oscar is knocking on the door but Greg has done five seasons like that”
To the point that when Ronan O’Gara is asked about him, the manager first wants to say that he should not highlight a man, because if “it is perhaps a phenomenon, there are has many others. This mentioned, yes, “he is performing well, he experienced a very difficult personal storm but now, there is a lot more sunshine for him”. What is there to hope for being part of the list of 42 which will be unveiled on Wednesday by Fabien Galthié? “He’s a very good player who deserves to be in the squad – the minimum. Is he capable of integrating the 23? I can’t say, replies the Irishman. ”Greg” (Alldritt) is a phenomenon, but he is one season after season. Oscar is knocking on the door, Greg has done five seasons like that. He’s capable of being there, but it’s a high level we’re talking about. » That’s good, it’s the favorite subject of Leinstermen Snyman, Barrett, van der Flier and others.
