He was coming off a hat-trick at Exeter. And he doubled the lead against the Sharks. Damian Penaud scored a sextuplet during UBB's fourth improved victory, this Sunday at Chaban-Delmas. A historic record in the competition since he is now ahead of Tom Beim (Gloucester in 2000-2001) and Matt Cardey (Llanelli in 2001-2002) who both scored five tries in a match.
“It’s a special record for someone special,” smiled Yannick Bru, the Gironde manager. We are super happy to have it. He has incredible abilities, far beyond normal. He is always in the right place at the right time. All this served by an incredible athletic dimension…”
15 tries in 12 matches
Against the Sharks, the French international first went for his hat-trick in the first period with a first try at the end of the line (13th), a second on a counter-attack by recovering a ball that was lying around (18th), and a third in strength (40e) to allow the Gironde club to lead at half-time (19-12). And after the break, he did it again with a kick to follow for the fourth try (66th), receiving a kick from Jalibert for the fifth (71ste) and served on a platter by the flyhalf for the sixth (76e).
“And he’s not obsessed with trying.” If he was, he would have scored seven.”
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With 15 tries in 12 matches this season, Damian Penaud remains a formidable finisher. “And he’s not obsessed with trying.” If he were, he would have scored seven today, underlines Yannick Bru. He’s super altruistic and frankly, he doesn’t care.” A week earlier, the winger had in fact offered Jalibert a try on a plate, which only postponed his hat-trick in England. Against the Sharks, he again delivered two assists on Lucu's try (44th) and that of Nguimbous (79e).
“We know what he is capable of,” confides Matthieu Jalibert. Six tries isn't bad. It's Damian, he's completely relaxed during the week in training but as soon as the level rises, we can count on him, he's a real finisher. »
The player is as efficient as he is atypical. “Sometimes, you tell yourself that he's not in and five seconds later, he crosses the field,” laughs third row Marko Gazzotti. “Frankly, he spends more time following chess tutorials than looking at the game plans during the week,” smiles Yannick Bru. It's a specific model, it's perhaps not the methodology to follow for all young hopefuls but with him, it works. He's a simple, original, endearing guy. You don’t need ten in a squad but when you have one, it’s good.”
