It’s an expected return to UBB! After seven weeks of convalescence, Nicolas Depoortere will start at the center of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles attack this Saturday (4:30 p.m.) at the Chaban-Delmas stadium on the occasion of the reception of Montpellier on behalf of the 11th day of Top 14. On October 12, he was the victim of a terrible tackle on the face against Perpignan, “an attack” in the words of his father at the microphone of France Bleu Gironde.
He had to be operated on for a fracture of the orbital floor with the installation of a plate. After an excellent start to the season (4 tries in 5 matches), Nicolas Depoortere notably missed the autumn tour with the XV of France. A little pause. Today, he is impatient to get back on the pitch and all its sensations.
France Bleu Gironde: Are you worried about the first contact?
Nicolas Depoortere : It’s a question that comes up a lot and that’s normal, but frankly I’m not worried at all. I’ve recovered well, I’ve been playing with contacts for two weeks. These are the risks of the job and today, I am especially looking forward to the kick-off. Wear a helmet? No, I didn’t think about it and in fact I look ridiculous about it (laughs). I don’t think it’s going to do me anything anyway. For the mask, I was told about it but I have a plate, and normally it shouldn’t move. If this is the case, there will be construction work.
How was the convalescence?
The first days were terrible! The pain was severe, especially before the operation. I couldn’t sleep for a week. I had a bit of a hard time. After injuries, it never happens at the right time. I was disappointed but at least it allowed me to recover well after a big start to the season because I was still stopped for a month and a half.
Can this kind of injury be scary?
Frankly, I don’t care a bit. Whether it’s a head, foot or arm injury, it’s still an injury. Afterwards it’s sure impressive because it was at facial level. But as you see, I have few after-effects. I feel the plaque, but that’s my problem (smiles). You can barely see the scar and I hope it will bring me luck for the future.
Can it change the way you play?
I don’t think so. I find that my style of play has remained the same over the last two weeks of training. Like I said, I have no apprehensions so I don’t think it’s going to change much, other than maybe pushing me to make more passes (laughs). Contact is something I’ve always loved and I don’t think that’s going to change.
Not too frustrated to have missed the fall tour of the XV of France?
Not necessarily because the list had not yet been released at the time of my injury. Of course, I hoped to be there, but we quickly got the answer (smiles). In any case, I hope to be at the VI Nations Tournament and I will do everything for it. I tell myself that this injury is a blessing in disguise because I was able to recover well and also treat other small injuries.
How do you view the team?
I think we’re good. We have had ups and downs like all clubs over a season like the Vannes match but we are second in Top 14. I hope we will continue like this. I think we managed this first period of doubles better compared to last season. This year’s recruitment allows us to have more players, more homogeneity and I hope it will be the same for the VI Nations Tournament.
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