XV of France. Romain Taophifenua comes on as a substitute

in Marcos

As soon as he reached the head of the XV of France, Fabien Galtier wanted to change the terminology, as the Anglo-Saxons do; we are no longer talking about replacements, but “graduates“. And in this role, Romain Taophifenua shines in a blue jersey. He brings all his physical density (2m for 135kg) and aggressiveness to the fight at the end of the match when it is necessary to make the difference.

It worked well in the last two test matches against the Wallabies and Springboks, where the Blues made the difference in the final 10 minutes. “Not starting is not disappointing. I’ve gotten into the habit of ending meetings trusts Lyon’s second line. It’s a role I like. Bring energy to the second half when the team isn’t necessarily doing well…»

“I like this role as a finisher, but I also want to prove that I can start matches…”

Against Japan on Sunday, he will however start in the manager’s role against the Japanese in the absence of Toulouse Thibaut Flament, who suffered concussion against the South Africans. “I like this role as a finisher, but I also want to prove that I can start matches“, he admits. “Since the beginning of Fabien’s mandate (Galthien 2020), I started many matches on the bench. They were happy with my appetizers. All of a sudden I’m starting to have a knack for finishing meetings. I also think I can control the youngest players, those who are not used to starting from the bench.»

His preparation for the match at the stadium will therefore be different, someone who is used to going into the game.We don’t approach matches the same way when we’re a substitute. I have more time to prepare for my entranceHe says. Even if I came home early last weekend after Thibaut’s injury (Flament, concussion in the 31st minute, Editor’s Note). But I don’t worry too much, I don’t put too much pressure on myself, whether it’s during the warm-up or the Marseilles. I know I have time to get into the game.“There it will be necessary to be ready from the beginning. No ignition delay.

Read alsoXV of France. these blues still have progress

After two upsets against Australia and South Africa, Japan look a more approachable opponent. But Romain Toafifenua, who faced them twice on the Blues’ last summer tour, is on guard.I don’t think there will be peace from our side. We want to finish this tour well and still remain undefeated, put on a good start to the tournament coming up. We want to win again and again.“And insist.We saw Japan hurt us this summer so we know what to expect and we worked hard.»

“The Japanese are strong up front. There will be big impacts, they are very explosive players. »

After a tough fight against the South African world champions, the Japanese will need to offer more game, movement and intensity in the race. “We knew it was going to hit the Boks hard and it didn’t last Saturday. It was very intense“, was highlightedtao”, 32 years old, described as part of the team by Galtier. But he still expects to have to fight the Japanese in his favorite part: combat.

“We saw that last summer, they have a very good scrum. They have strong players. We talk about it less than the South Africans, but they are strong up front. We know we have a big challenge ahead of us against the Japanesehe warns. We had prepared for this meeting like others. There will be big impacts, they are very explosive players.»

If they succeed at the Stadion on Sunday, Galtier’s side will sign a thirteenth successive success and finish 2022 unbeaten (10 successes this year). And aim for the all-time record of 18 consecutive wins held by the All Blacks and England. “This record is far away. We don’t think about it, we don’t talk muchsays Romain Taophifenois. But it’s huge. The important thing is not to lose, but you don’t set a record.“Everything in its time, he is well placed to know.