The transition from seven to fifteen can be the equivalent of crossing the desert for some athletes, but not for Aaron Grandidier. The former Olympic sevens champion took off in the Top 14 with a remarkable performance during the meeting Pau against Valves, by scoring his first try in the competition and shining in the aerial game.
An expected and deserved ascent
Aaron Grandidier finally crossed the goal line in the Top 14 – a moment he had been waiting for since his arrival in Pau after a victorious Olympic Games.
This test, combined with an improved victory of 48-24 against Vannes, brought out in him a feeling of fullness: a full stadium, direct involvement in the positive outcome of the match and the realization of the hard work during training.
A gradual adaptation to the Top 14
Although his adaptability has been tested, Grandidier saw his confidence grow thanks to the constant support of his teammates and staff.
Moving from rugby sevens to rugby fifteens requires both technical and tactical adjustments. From positioning in defense to direct confrontations in attack, he had to deal with radically different duels, seeking less to create spaces and more to optimize each of his supports.
Faced with pressure, the response is firm
The pressure of the match did not shake Grandidier, quite the contrary. The Paloise Section, without the ball during the first quarter of an hour, seemed to suffer the game before rectifying the situation.
Grandidier underlines that once discipline was re-established, the team was able to express itself and take control, which was fundamental to bouncing back.
Healthy competition to move forward
In a competitive environment, with keen competition within his own club, Grandidier remains humble, speaking of his learning and his desire to benefit from the experience of his teammates. This team spirit allows him to aim for consistency in his performances and to measure himself against his peers with ambition.
In search of regularity
Having become aware of his potential and the expectations of those around him, Grandidier emphasizes the need to improve regularity.
According to him, it is by stringing together good performances and building on the achievements of this type of significant matches that the team and himself can build unfailing confidence for the rest of the season.
Aaron Grandidier seems to have found its place within the Paloise Section. His aerial skills, his first achievement in the Top 14 and his state of mind show that he is now a significant asset for his team and that he could be expected to positively influence Pau's progress in the competition.
Photo: Icon Sport
