INTERVIEW – The Toulousain has made himself indispensable to the Blues by his defensive presence. On the eve of the Six Nations Tournament, he tells the Figaro his taste for combat.
The third line of Stade Toulousain, who has just chained 16 starts in the blue jersey, confides as the XV of France challenges its title in the Six Nations Tournament, from Sunday (4 p.m.), in Rome .
LE FIGARO. – Which defensive gesture do you prefer to succeed? A big tackle or a snatched ball in a group on the ground, those famous rucks?
Anthony JELONCH. – A big tackle!
How do you know that your tackle was particularly successful?
When I take the opponent low enough, around the hip. Afterwards, I clasp my arms, feeling that I’m holding him well, and I take him back a step or two. If, finally, it bumps a little while falling, then it is the most satisfying tackle (smile).
Which is better, knocking the opponent down or knocking him back?
Roll it back, then knock it down (to laugh). When you make a big tackle, it makes the whole team want to do the same. It motivates everyone.
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The tackle is an opportunity to…