2023-09-26 22:06:08
Hit in the thigh during a training session with his Montpellier club, Paul Willemse, as in 2019, had to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup. Replaced by his teammate in Montpellier Bastien Chalureau, the powerful second row admires the exploits of the French XV from his armchair, but continues his rehabilitation.
Interviewed for the official World Cup podcast, the player of South African origin said he would soon be ready to join the Blues if necessary. “Journalists call me every two weeks,” he explained. I am ready to join the team if necessary, while I get back on my feet, in a week or two it should be good. »
“I manage steak by steak”
Paul Willemse estimates he is at 70% of his capacity currently. And despite the disappointment, he has now digested his package. “I got used to it,” he assured. With each hard blow during my career, I always gave myself several days to digest. I eat quite emotionally, so I manage it steak by steak. »
The Montpellier resident also returned to the big news from this World Cup, notably the injury to Antoine Dupont and the Ireland-South Africa match. On his captain, the second line was clear: “if we have to bring a guy back, it’s him. » “He’s an impressive player,” he continued. And on a mental level, he is on another planet. He’s an impassive guy. He is never too happy, never too sad. We have the impression that he is above everything. »
A player in the group will have to be injured
Concerning the probable future opponent of the French XV in the quarter-finals, South Africa, Paul Willemse admitted to being amazed by their performance against Ireland, despite the defeat. “Every ruck was crazy,” he said. Quite a fight. The South African players put pressure on each ball release, they threw themselves at the carrier. There were no cards, in such a physical match, it’s rare and it shows the intelligence of the guys, beyond the physical intensity. »
Despite his absence, Paul Willemse therefore remains a very attentive observer of this World Cup. However, there remains one condition for him to be able to return to the group: that a player on the squad gets injured.
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