The French Rugby Federation shared images of Benoit Saint Denis’ visit to the players of the French XV, last Tuesday in Marcoussis, four days before their victory against the All Backs (30-29). The opportunity to discover the MMA fighter strangling the colossal Uini Atonio, the pillar of Stade Rochelais (1.96m, 145kg).
The players of the French XV designated Paul Costes to be their guinea pig during Benoit Saint Denis’ visit on Tuesday to Marcoussis, four days before their victory against the All Blacks (30-29 at the Stade de France). The Stade Toulousain center was asked to join the MMA fighter in front of the video room screen for a submission display, footage shared by the French Rugby Federation showed.
The 21-year-old presented himself with a slightly feverish smile alongside the UFC fighter. “I’m going to show you the rear choke and give you the two or three details to be sure that our friend falls unconscious in less than five seconds,” said BSD, triggering heavy laughter from the audience. “But that’s not going to happen, I’ll get the hang of it, don’t worry,” he added. He then placed the crook of his elbow “at the level of the glottis” of the rugby player, before tightening. “Yes, you’re doing it well,” Costes immediately blurted out, in a muffled voice…
“I think with one arm it works”
A few moments later, a member of the staff asked Benoit Saint Denis if his grip could work on “a guy as strong” as Uini Atonio (1.96m, 145 kg). “Ah well yes”, replied the one who calls himself “God of War”. “No, it doesn’t work,” challenged the pillar of Stade Rochelais, visibly amused. BSD then went behind the 34-year-old colossus, sitting on a chair. “Even with our friend, I think that with one arm it works,” explained the Nîmes fighter. “You have your head here (placing his chin on the back of his hand) and imagine that your head is your hand. And then you pull back a little.”
Under pressure, Atonio struck after barely three seconds, his face completely tense. “Oh yeah, it’s not bad, yeah,” he commented, looking a little groggy. Before calling out Benoit Saint Denis: “But frankly, it’s not… (laughs)”. “I pressed a little but I didn’t put it all in,” said the former member of the police. “Yes, keep it,” concluded, hilariously, the rock of the XV of France born in New Zealand.
A signed jersey presented by Antoine Dupont
On the sidelines of his visit to Marcoussis, Benoit Saint Denis, with the French XV parka on his back, was able to chat with the stars of French rugby, like Antoine Dupont, who gave him a white jersey autographed by the the whole team.
The 28-year-old fighter, a supporter of Aviron Bayonnais, was even treated to a little hazing when he found himself surrounded by the Blues on the training ground. With little pats on the head, in general good humor.
