Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)

Fewer than ten matches played in 2020 but already recalled in the French team: after a year undermined by injuries, Damian Penaud, the Clermont winger who faces the UBB on Saturday in the Top 14, finds color.

And the Blues.

To forget 2020 and this recalcitrant left leg (calf then ankle) which deprived him of a large part of the Six Nations Tournament, Penaud (24 years old, 17 caps) made 2021 a major objective: "it feels good to replay ", admitted also recently and simply the N.14 of the ASM.

Back on the pitch, the Clermontois made his legs speak and this puncheur profile that so pleases the XV of France coach Fabien Galthié.

The proof in the European Cup, against the Bristol Bears: in mid-December, on the lawn of Ashton Gate, Penaud filed a dozen opponents to afford a double, synonymous with victory in Clermont against the title holders in European challenge (51-38).

In Top 14, after four matches, all as a holder, he has - so far - scored only one try.

"For him, the important thing, above all, is to be able to follow up and regain confidence in everything that is racing, attitude in contact ...", tempers his coach in Auvergne, Franck Azéma.

"Now what he needs is to keep consistency in everything he performs on the pitch. What he also needs is to have a permanent questioning on every action because that he is unpredictable, he puts stress on the opponents ... He has a great quality, it is that he is a competitor. It must be exacerbated in him and that he manages to diffuse it around him This is important, ”adds the technician.

- 2021 in orbit -

In club, in any case, Penaud is unanimous.

"Damian, everyone knows him. He is a great international player," said ASM hooker Adrien Pelissié.

Same story with Jean-Pascal Barraque.

"Damian has great qualities, it's normal that at the international level, he is there. He simply has the level. In addition, he is still young so he will still improve I think. He is a very very good man. player and he is in his place, "says the captain of the French rugby sevens team, international fifteen since the fall.

This French team, Damian Penaud, will therefore find it since he was called up in the group of 37 who will go to Nice to prepare for the 2021 Six Nations Tournament.

So far, on the blue wings, neither Vincent Rattez nor Teddy Thomas have convinced.

The Montpellier driver was not called up for the trip to Italy on February 6, while the Racingman was sidelined after an abysmal defensive performance in the match against Wales at the start of the year.

Penaud therefore has a good card to play, alongside the nuggets Gabin Villière (Toulon) and Donovan Taofifenua (Racing 92).

If his offensive potential and his physical qualities are undeniable, the Clermontois will especially have to prove that he can adapt to the demanding "rush defense" set up by Shaun Edwards, the coach in charge of French defense.

Considered from the arrival of Galthié as a potential holder, Penaud could therefore have - finally!

- a playing card.

On condition that the injuries let the Clermont rocket regain its marks.

cor-bur-ll-mca / lrb

© 2021 AFP