He confirms, week after week, in Top 14. Esteban Capilla played this Sunday, December 1 against Stade Français his fifth match of the season with Aviron Bayonnais (for four starts). After three years spent in the fold of rugby sevens, the young 21-year-old third row trained at AS Bayonne, Mouguerre and with Ciel et Blanc now aspires to become an indisputable starter at XV, without drawing a line under its Olympic ambitions for 2028 in Los Angeles.
Even if the match is difficult, you will seek a victory and individually, you put in a successful performance punctuated by a try in the 48th minute…
Esteban Capilla: I don't know if we can say that I had a great match… I still committed a forward attack in their 40 meters. But yes, I tried to contribute as much as possible for the victory. Frankly, there was a false rhythm. It hit hard, really. All week, we knew they were going to make a big physical impact. We had worked for that. But yes, it was intense, it hit hard, and we knew how to respond, despite the first 30 minutes, where they took us a little by surprise. We suffered, especially with our scrum half (Maxime Machenaud), who didn't have a sufficiently clean ball, we were shaken up well. But we were able to respond in the second half. That said, we must not wait to react, we must anticipate.
We know you eat spaces, you demonstrate that you also respond in the duel…
I still have to improve a lot. I like to play in space, but I also try to be present in tackles, in contact, even when it hits hard. I try to be as complete as possible for the team. If a space opens up and someone throws me, that’s even better. Honestly, in Toulon, I was not satisfied with my entry into play. Every weekend, I work hard to be in the group. I'm still young, there are a lot of veterans ahead of me, but I always want to rise to the occasion. Even if I had been satisfied in Toulon, I would have given everything to play this match against Stade Français.
The European Cup is approaching (reception in Llanelli and trip to Edinburgh). How are you approaching this competition?
In previous seasons, we didn't really play it to the fullest. We focused on the Top 14. But this year, the president showed us his ambitions from the start of the season (qualification for the eighth and, if possible, at home, Editor's note). We are going to play it hard, we want to win it. We have the squad for it, with the rotations. It's a special competition because the foreign teams play differently, but we're going to give everything, like in the Top 14. Honestly, I don't need extra motivation. Playing with the pros, whether in the Challenge Cup, Champions Cup or Top 14, is already huge. It's our job, and we have to give our all in every match, every weekend.
It was your 5th match of the season. Did you expect to be so solicited by the staff, especially after your return from rugby sevens?
It was my ambition. This is my first professional year at XV after three years at 7, where I acquired transferable skills. I wanted to play a lot, but you have to find your place. I'm happy, and I hope it continues.
Are you still in the expanded group of 7 for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?
Yes, it's in the back of my mind. Injuring myself 30 days before the Paris Games was hard to cope with. But for now, I'm focusing on the XV. My goal is to establish myself as an indisputable starter at the club, and why not in the XV selection. If we can find an arrangement for 2028, in Los Angeles, I will do everything to be part of the adventure at the Olympics.
