Author of an XXL performance against Japan this Saturday evening, Peato Mauvaka wanted to release some frustrations from his last 6 Nations Tournament. It's done, and it's time to look ahead to the All Blacks' reception for the French hooker, always quick to make a few humorous remarks.
The last time you played at the Stade de France was during the World Cup quarter-final defeat against South Africa. How did you experience this reunion?
There was a lot of pride in coming back here, even if there is this bad memory of the quarter-final. We have started a new cycle and we must also think about today, not always dwell on the past. Otherwise, we'll burn ourselves. We want to move forward and prepare for each match seriously. We had managed to prepare well for Japan and we now have to switch to New Zealand.
Was it a strong personal emotion to also find the French XV jersey?
I wouldn't talk about bad memories there either, but it's true that the last 6 Nations Tournament didn't go very well for me. I wanted to show that I was still there. So I gave it my all.
And you have registered your tenth try for the selection…
Yes, I'm happy to have scored. If I have the chance to play for a long time in the French team, I hope I will beat Damian Penaud (laughs).
After their victory in England, New Zealand won in Ireland on Friday. What to fear from these All Blacks?
Against Ireland, they again had a great match in terms of commitment and physicality. We will be keen to answer that next weekend.
Will this bring back good memories?
Above all, I hope that next Saturday's match will still be a good memory. But I still have a lot of emotion to face this team. I can't wait for the week ahead and to find myself in front of them to play a big match.
What did you think of Antoine Dupont's match for his return to the selection?
(He laughs) He was having a little trouble, I gave him some advice on the 9 position. If he wants me to replace him… No, seriously, he does a lot of good on the pitch, on his leadership. He makes us move forward and everyone is happy to have him back with us.
Did he complain that you didn't score the try on his foot pass at the end of the match?
It's fatigue! On the first hook, I didn't know I had passed, then my field of vision reduced. I didn't know what to do anymore and I preferred to keep the ball.
Grégory Alldritt laughed after the match, saying that you had finished “in the red”…
I'm not used to playing eighty minutes and especially finishing on the third line. So, I see what Greg feels in every match. But I think I was still less in the red than him (laughs).
France
