At the end of the success won by the RCT in Perpignan on Saturday evening (13-22), Maxime Petitjean was keen to praise the state of mind of the Var troops. Pierre Mignoni's assistant also highlights the discipline, the quality of the mauls and the copy rendered by Enzo Hervé.
What is your first feeling after this notable away victory, on a pitch that does not usually suit you?
It's been three, four years that we've been considered a bit like puppets here, to put it mildly. The players had spoken to each other since the start of the week and wanted to show a better face than in recent seasons. They knew what awaited them here and that if they did not respond to the fight, they could do nothing. They didn't lie to each other.
In recent seasons, many away victories have escaped you in the final moments. However, we never felt this doubt, even when USAP registered its attempt…
Yes, the guys didn't panic. I found a lot of serenity with them. When they spoke, the messages were clear. Everyone was connected, to each other. These are good signals for the future even if everything has not been good, far from it. I believe in particular that we take ten points upon receipt of the shipment.
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The discipline has worked much better since two meetings. What have you changed at this level?
We just asked the guys to stop making stupid mistakes. The players are big boys. They realized that there were mistakes that were completely aberrant, which they could largely avoid. For two matches, it's a little better. But it can be even better.
You launched two balls carried 30, 40 meters. Can you tell us about this weapon?
We know we have a lot of forwards. The group works hard in training. Today, it paid off and it's been working quite well for several matches. It’s a strong sector on which we rely, obviously.
A word on Enzo Hervé's match, who was clean in the animation and precise against the poles?
It's good. He is regaining confidence. He made good kickoffs, he did 100% in shooting. Its drop is quite significant. Afterwards, there are still some things to work on, obviously but, overall, I think he had a pretty decent match. Afterwards, collectively, we separated ourselves a little too much from the ball to the foot when we entered their 40 meters.
