The seven-a-side Olympic champion wing three-quarter was one of the best elements of the duel between Pau and Vannes (48-24). He scored his first try in the Top 14 and wandered through the air.
The three-quarter wing of the Section Paloise undoubtedly offered the Hameau its best performance since his arrival at the Section Paloise after his Olympic gold medal at seven. He scored his first try in the Top 14 and shone on the referrals and more generally in aerial play. He was clearly one of the architects of the great improved success of the Béarnais 48-24. It was his eighth start of the season, having only played seven games with Brive, his previous club.
What is your first feeling after this nice improved success?
It's a huge pleasure. We were under pressure but we were able to respond today, in a sold-out stadium. For the past few weeks, our focus has been to play a little more, that was the DNA of the club last season. We knew how to gain territory, and behind them, through their mistakes, we were able to put the game in place. We are all very ambitious, but the reality is that we are not where we would like to be. But it's with matches like this that we build confidence for the future. This success will bring us a lot of positive things for the return phase.
On a personal level, we found you very good in the air sector…
It comes from teammates, from the staff. They gave me a lot of confidence this week. They have also been doing it since the start of the season. I wasn't really up to standard in that aspect, and that's what I'm expected to do, I know. They didn't let me go. I was lucky that our opponents targeted a certain area on kickoff where I had the opportunity to express myself.
We found you comfortable in the European Cup against Newcastle… Did that play a role in today's performance against Vannes?
To build confidence, you have to play. With the Challenge, I was able to accumulate minutes. It is only by playing that we can build this confidence, because training is not enough.
Can you tell us about your attempt in the first half in the corner served by Aymeric Luc? Was this intervention planned?
When we get close to the lines, the two wingers stay on the ends. It is the 10 and the 15 which make the seesaw with the centers on one side or the other. But Aymeric must have sensed something. He rocks, decides to add an extra pair of hands to fix and give and it ended as you saw.
It was your first attempt in the Top 14, wasn't it?
We always remember the first one, and I've been waiting for it for a while, I must admit. At home, in a full stadium and in a high-stakes match, it's a huge pleasure.
What about your adaptation to fifteen, you who comeihe doesn't Olympic tournament in sept ?
I thought it was going to be simpler. So, it was a nice slap in the face for me. But the staff gave me confidence, we talked a lot, and little by little, I got my bearings to return to good performances.
What were the most difficult areas to integrate?
That's a lot of positioning in terms of changes. I had a lot of problems with the toggles. When I have to go in or out defensively. Afterwards, in attack, it's not at all the same duels. At 7, you have time to work on your opponent, at 15, we no longer have small, very direct, very powerful changes of direction, instead of working to try to find spaces.
Was there any physical work to do?
I don't think I have changed my physique; Instead, I had to think about bringing out my qualities in the best possible way. It's about thinking about supports where you're less likely to seek a complete change of direction, for example. But more aim for an inside shoulder.
What did you think of the start of the match when Pau did not have the ball and suffered for around a quarter of an hour?
At the start of the match, we struggled with our discipline. Once the problem was resolved, we most often found ourselves on the opposing side. Then we realized we had nothing to fear. If we let each other go, everything would be fine. I have the impression that in high pressure situations, we were able to respond. This match was very important, it’s very positive. We know we are capable of great things, now we will have to seek consistency and consistency.
On a personal level, what is the assessment of your trajectory?
It was a rise in power. At the beginning, I arrived with little confidence despite everything I had experienced before. In the end, I was able to build this confidence in myself. Through hard work, things became unblocked. But like the team, I have to look for consistency to put together this kind of performance.
What about the competition that reigns in Pau at the rear trident?
Competition is huge to get the best out of players. In my position, there is Jack, Théo, Aymeric… Some are younger than me but have much more experience. I'm really into learning, trying to get everything I can from guys who have more experience than me. And then I'll try to compete with them, seek them out, and ask them a lot of questions.
