the essential
After having the flu and a fever for long days, Naoto Saito changed his haircut. Just another way to get rid of bad luck and get back on the ground as quickly as possible. The Japanese player (27 years old) intends to take advantage of the absence of internationals to find playing time. He talks about the time of the Occitanie derby, this Saturday, January 25, at Ernest-Wallon, against Montpellier. Kick-off of the fifteenth day: 2 p.m.
You haven't played since December. How are you doing today ?
I'm fine, very fine. The last time I played was against Stade Français (in December). I thought I was going to be able to play against La Rochelle, but I had a fever, so I missed the opportunity. Maybe I'll get my chance this weekend I don't know, but I'm ready to play again.
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Did you discover Toulouse during the World Cup or did you already know the city before?
I came in 2022, for the Autumn Tour, Japan was playing against France at the Stadium. So the first time I came here was in November 2022. I still remember it very well. We used the Ernest-Wallon synthetic pitch for a week to train and we walked around the city. I felt it was a good city and there were good fans (smile).
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How was your arrival at Stade Toulousain?
(he thinks) Last year, I think it was March or April, I was looking to leave Japan to play overseas. It was abroad and especially Europe that attracted me. So my agent looked around to see which clubs might be interested. And I heard that Toulouse had come forward. But it was very difficult because before, last season, there was still Baptiste Germain who today left for Bayonne. It took him a while to decide so it was stuck for me too. As for his part the negotiations lasted… April, May, June… This was unblocked at the end of June. And then I was offered a contract here, in Toulouse, I was very, very, very, very happy and excited.
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You've been in Toulouse for six months, how do you feel within the club?
Very good so far. And even though I haven't played a lot lately, I've learned a lot from the team, the coach and Toto, Paul (Graou). At the start of the season I played a little more, so far I have played nine matches… I want more but it's already a good experience. You know, there is really a big difference between Japanese rugby and the Top 14. Particularly in terms of physicality but also the play after contact, the kicking game. I also discovered these atmospheres with the chants of the supporters.
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Did you expect, precisely, this difference between the Japanese championship and the French championship?
Even though I knew it, I was surprised. I know that physique counts a lot in the Top 14. But when you're on the pitch, wow! It's worse than I imagined (smile). Body aches after matches (he blows). We play every weekend so it's intense, and the organization after the matches also changes: recovery and training. Game, recovery, repetition.
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Is training alongside Antoine Dupont also an opportunity for you?
Yes, I'll give you an example, if I have a question about his way of seeing the game, I ask him and Toto explains everything to me. He transmits his experience and his way of thinking about spaces, his vision of the game and also about racing… He is very, very erudite. He's a good teacher. And a good human. Very humble and of course a good rugby player. Perhaps one of the best in the world. In one session we trained together, I was 9 and he was playing 10, I was really impressed. He sees everything, every space, every solution… It’s crazy. I learn a lot with him.
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