Lebel, even more than his teammates, probably still has his last confrontation with Munster in mind, a little over a year ago in the round of 16 at Thomond Park.

The young international (23) had revealed himself that day with a bang in Europe of rugby with a good try after returning from the locker room and a frame-overflow from school to offer that of the win (40-33) to Antoine Dupont.

He finished a few weeks later second best scorer in the Top 14, with 13 tries, before honoring his first two selections for the France team, in the fall against Georgia and Wales in the Six Nations Tournament.

With just three tries scored this season in all competitions, his stats have since eroded.

As a symbol of the difficulties his team is experiencing on the wings.

"Our attacking game may be less effective than last season or in the past, but we are still first in the number of passes, offloads (passes after contact), crossings, broken tackles..." , nuance the Toulouse rear coach Clément Poitrenaud.

Les Rouge et Noir, renowned for their handwork which generally gives pride of place to wingers, at the conclusion of collective movements, currently only present the eighth attack in the championship.

Backs coach Clément Poitrenaud (left) with manager Ugo Mola, February 23, 2019 in Toulouse REMY GABALDA AFP

"It's true that we expect more from our finishers, from our wingers, who, when they find themselves in a favorable situation, must reward the work of the team. Which is less the case this year", recognizes Poitrenaud.

"It's up to them to realize it. It's like scorers in football, it also works with confidence. You have to start the machine for it to come back," adds the former international back.

The "vacuum" Kolbe

The retirement of Yoann Huget and that of South African star Cheslin Kolbe for Toulon, too late to find him a successor, left a void that Toulouse did not really fill.

"Nature abhors a vacuum. When something is missing, someone usually takes over. Especially since it had been announced by some after Cheslin's departure, that it would have to be assumed on the ground. There are a few matches left to prove it," challenges Poitrenaud.

South African winger Cheslin Kolbe, still in the colors of Stade Toulouse, on March 6, 2021 in Toulouse Lionel BONAVENTURE AFP

The second winger position, behind Lebel, often went to the future retiree Maxime Médard at the start of the season, who, naturally at 35, no longer has the legs of his debut.

The versatile Argentinian Juan Cruz Mallia, first retained in selection then injured, then took over with some success.

But Toulouse's top scorer of the season (6 tries) was suspended for four weeks after receiving a red card in the round of 16 first leg of the European Cup against Ulster.

In his absence, to which is added that of Arthur Bonneval, often injured, the young Dimitri Delibes (23 years old) will again be aligned on the right wing on Saturday against Munster.

A position that the three-quarters training center claims to have better mastered today, even if it humbly admits that it still has "a lot of progress to make".

"A winger today must be able to offer himself everywhere, even in defence. It's a position that requires a lot of analytical skills," he explains.

"You have to have several strings to your bow and I'm very happy to be on the pitch, whether on the wing, in the center or at the back. Even as a pillar, I would go for it".

Toulouse winger Dimitri Delibes against Montpellier, March 20, 2022 in Toulouse Valentine CHAPUIS AFP

With the expected arrivals of the Italian international from Grenoble Ange Capuozzo and the Rochelais Arthur Retière, the Toulouse wings will be a little more provided next season.

Delibes shouldn't have to play on the front line, however.

© 2022 AFP