2023-09-09 13:34:40
He joined Philippe Sella in the rank of fourth scorer in the history of the XV of France with thirty tries scored in the jersey of the Blues by entering the in-goal of the All Blacks in the second half (55th). But if he contributed Friday evening to the victory of the Blues over New Zealand (27-13) to launch the World Cup in France, Damian Penaud did not fully meet the expectations of the tricolor staff. A point developed by attacking coach Laurent Labit during the video debriefing of the meeting with the media on Saturday morning.
“He is an athlete, a player who offensively manages to position himself well and use situations that are not completely clear, but we would like Damian to do more,” indicates the former Racing 92 coach. On two turnover situations, instead to pass the ball, it moves and loses our players a little in the circuit. There are also areas where he can improve defensively. He’s a great scorer, but he’s at 70% of what he can do at international level. He knows it and he has to work. »
He claims, in vain, a forward on an All Blacks try
A way for the tricolor staff to sting the ego of a player who has become essential since the start of Fabien Galthié’s mandate. Against New Zealand, the one who joined Union Bordeaux-Bègles this summer missed a try in the 53rd minute by having the ball thrown from his arms as he tried to flatten. A ball that he incidentally held on the wrong side, close to defender Richie Mo’unga. The two tries of the All Blacks, registered by Mark Telea, also come from his wing. On the second, Damian Penaud even stops playing for a while to claim, in vain, a forward pass.
The former Clermont winger is now only two lengths behind Philippe Saint-André, third best scorer in the history of the Blues with 32 tries, but still a respectable distance from Serge Blanco (38). Penaud had already scored a brace against Australia and another try against Scotland during the summer preparation.
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