The Stade de France clock showed exactly 75 minutes and 32 seconds last weekend when the Clermontois, on receiving a long skipped pass from Matthieu Jalibert, grabbed the ball about thirty meters from the line.

The rest is already history: a lightning inside hook against Australian winger Tom Wright, an authoritative rout on full-back Jock Campbell, acceleration and a liberating dive into the in-goal.

On an individual feat, Penaud, no doubt upset to have been overtaken by the same Wright on the first opposing try, overthrew the Wallabies, who were then leading 29-25, and offered France an eleventh victory in a row. historical.

"This end to the match is incredible, with a try of which Damian has the secret", testifies the pillar Cyril Baille.

"We see him take the ball, avoid a tackle, a second... We say to ourselves + he's going to score, he's going to score + and he did it! Congratulations to him because he wasn't quite the one- the".

Essential

Decisive, this 19th try, in 35 selections, confirms the importance taken in the France team by Penaud, undoubtedly one of the first names put on paper by coach Fabien Galthié when establishing his composition.

French rugby team winger Damian Penaud training for the Blues on Wednesday November 9, 2022, in Marcoussis, before the match against South Africa FRANCK FIFE AFP

The international debut of the three-quarter wing, formed in the center, dates back to 2017, but his counter has accelerated significantly since last year (seven tries in 2021, already six this year).

Author of a murderous interception against the All Blacks (40-25 victory), co-top scorer of the last Six Nations Tournament, the son of the former international opener from Brive Alain Penaud is today, at 26, " one of the best wingers in the world", according to Australian coach Dave Rennie, not resentful.

"He is one of the best in the world, and everyone has known it for a long time," confirms the coach in charge of the tricolor attack Laurent Labit.

"When you play against him, it's no longer a surprise, but he still manages to make the difference. That's where you see the great players".

Asked during the week about his lethal weapon, Galthié preferred to highlight the collective: "When the players perform, because the team wins, it is due to their talent, and Damian has it, but it is also due to the abnegation of others, to the ability to put them into orbit".

A coveted "alien"

Passionate about video games and chess, a hobby that helps him channel his fiery temperament, Penaud is as confusing on and off the pitch, even for those who meet him regularly.

The attacking coach of the French rugby team Laurent Labit (right) chats with Blues winger Damian Penaud (left) before a match against Georgia in Bordeaux, November 14, 2021 Romain PERROCHEAU AFP

"He's a special guy," laughs Labit.

"You feel like he's on the sidelines, that he's not interested in things, that he's not a great competitor. You feel like a lot of things with him. But as soon as there is a game, there is a game".

Complete winger, adept at passes after contact as well as cross runs and probably still perfectible in defense, the native of Brive-la-Gaillarde, who abhors defeat, is currently in full reflection on his future.

His contract with Clermont, with whom he was crowned French champion in 2017, is coming to an end next June and several big teams in the Top 14 have logically positioned themselves.

A few weeks ago, in the middle of a match against ASM at the microphone of Canal+, Stade Toulouse coach Ugo Mola called him an "alien" and a "world-class player".

He would certainly not object to coming to the banks of the Garonne.

© 2022 AFP