The dynamic is good but you have to know how to come down quickly, to put things straight to be able to continue to achieve the same type of performance. We are showing a lot of humility following this victory in Toulouse, even though paradoxically, it is something enormous. But we want to maintain the high standards that have been ours for several weeks. The euphoria was controlled and mastered to stay focused.
Did you learn from last year at this level?
Totally. This difficulty in stringing together good performances was a big downside last season. From what we saw this week, we learned lessons from the past.
The squad is thicker than last season. This should help you find regularity?
Yes it helps. All the lines are well stocked, there are a lot of rotations, a lot of freshness, a lot of emulation. The seasons are so long that to be competitive every week, you need large numbers of players. This year, we are also a little spared from injuries, so we are taking advantage of all that.
What do you think of Marko Gazzotti and Temo Matiu, who will be alongside you this Saturday in the third row?
They are very good players, very young. At their age, I had just discovered rugby for maybe two years. Even though I am the veteran of this third line, they are players who still have a lot of experience for their age. I will feed on what they also bring: this freshness, this desire…. I will try to play my role as I usually do.
You have been at UBB since 2017. How do you avoid falling into a sort of routine?
As you imagine, it’s not easy. But you know my story, I come from far away anyway. We see young 23-year-old third rows who have already played I don’t know how many matches. Me, at their age, I had just discovered rugby. So I’m still hungry. It also requires a lot of personal investment as the years go by. You have to keep in shape. I hold on to this desire to always want to perform and bring something back with this club. I have the impression that I have not yet exploited my full potential, I still want to learn and pass on.
There is a lot of rotation within the squad this season. Do you easily agree not to continue?
When I accept and tell myself that it’s okay not to continue, that I’m paid at the end of the month, I think it will really be the time to stop. But obviously, I am only a stone in the building of this team. My role is to be in good shape and to make the effort when I am called upon.
The UBB attacked the championship with ambitions. Did the victory in Toulouse make the target even bigger on your back?
