Starting at the opening against Toulon, Juan Cruz Mallia again had a solid match, even scoring a double. Wherever he is on the field, the Argentinian improves everything he touches… in short, every coach's dream.
“Juanchi is an incredible guy. He knows how to adapt to all situations, he only brings positives.” What Alexandre Roumat had said before the match about Juan Cruz Mallia, he could have said with even more conviction afterwards. The versatile three-quarterback lived up to the responsibilities of being a fly-half and his growing reputation as a jack of all trades within the back lines: the Argentinian was opportunistic then inspired – and launched perfectly by Antoine Dupont – to offer himself a precious double, he split a 50-22 school and was extremely accurate in his handling of the game. We can no longer speak of surprise towards him as he has shown off his qualities since 2020, but his ability to be good everywhere, quite simply, remains an inexhaustible source of satisfaction for his family. And relief when the specialist (or specialists) of the position are in the infirmary, as is currently the case. For the anecdote, at the time of Antoine Dupont's return against Clermont, the evening when “NTK” was injured, his name came back on everyone's lips, spontaneously: “It’s very good to hear that but I don’t put myself on the same level as Antoine”smiled a few days later the person concerned, for whom everything or almost everything is currently successful. Before achieving three successes with the Stadium, he contributed to the best Rugby Championship in Pumas history, being lined up five times with the number 15 on his back. In a month, we are likely to find him in this same position, in Saint-Denis. With sincere pleasure. And a hint of distrust as its range is wide: “Spending time with guys like Thomas (Ramos) where Antoine helped me develop my game, but also my self-confidence.” His actions speak for him.
