We have known him to be a prodigy since he was 18, if not before. Integrated into the professional Racing squad since he came of age, Nolann Le Garrec became a key element of the Ile-de-France team very early on. Too early, perhaps.
XV OF FRANCE. Versatility, audacity and efficiency: is this 3/4 Galthié’s secret weapon for a 6-2 bench?
But his insane playing time for such a young player and his assumption of responsibility only accelerated his polish. So much so that the Breton diamond announced in fall 2020, remains today these qualities of dynamiter and undeniable gestureswhile the defects were gradually erased like a painting is refined. And continue to do so.
A significant development
Gone are the days when the Racing 92 prodigy did too much, often remained clumsy in front of goal and sometimes imprecise in his fundamental movements, despite undeniable superior talent. For more than a year now, the child from Morbihan has been playing with self-confidence and nerve that seem unshakeable, like Baptiste Serin on the other side of France. Something that his first capes full of success, it seems, only accentuated.
So much so that from week to week, we say to ourselves that the departure of Le Garrec to La Rochelle next season will leave a huge void in the 92. As much as it is difficult to see how the game accelerator of Ciel et Blanc cannot will not be the official replacement for Antoine Dupont during the looming 6 Nations Tournament.
-VIDEO. Running 30 meters with 2 Englishmen on your back? No problem for promising 3/4 center Antoine Dupont
He has for him all the qualities mentioned but also youth (22 years old) compared to two of the main competitors, but also a profile appreciated by Fabien Galthié – which a certain scrum half of the LOU – to finish the Blues matches. Just last weekend, Max Spring's sidekick played a superb game in every way against the Stormers in the Champions Cup, setting fire around the rucks and delivering several offerings for his teammates.
So much so that his demanding manager Stuart Lancaster said this, after the match, as reported by Rugbyrama: “He had his best game of the season against the Stormers. He was voted man of the match and fully deserved it. France is lucky to have, with him and Antoine Dupont, such wealth in the number 9 position…“
It is true that leaving Baptiste Serin, Maxime Lucu, Baptiste Couilloud and Baptiste Jauneau behind is a luxury that even the All Blacks do not have…
