Almost two years behind his last appearance with the Blues, and after two seasons marked by injuries, Pierre Bourgarit finally wrote a new page of his international career in New Zealand. A breath of fresh air.
It was perhaps not a rebirth but, in New Zealand, Pierre Bourgarit at least resumed the course of his international history. He, whose last cape dates back to the fatal quarter-final of the World Cup lost against South Africa, in October 2023. Twenty-one month later, the hooker Rochelais found the blue jersey. And the smile. “Yes, it did me goodhe said. I leave two a little galley seasons. “ The term is thin, as he was prosecuted by injuries. Still the victim of a sprain in an ankle at the very end of the fiscal year with his club, he had to compose to be traveling to New Zealand.
Accept to be in recovery first, then show self -denial and patience. Replacing during the first two tests, he then started that of Hamilton on Saturday. “On the first, I lacked rhythmhe admits. It was a little better in Wellington when I entered. And there, I was pretty well physically. On an individual level, I had good sensations and there is a little satisfaction. Even if the disappointment of the collective outcome necessarily takes over. “ Still, the interested party experienced a form of release. “I might not say that there is a share of relief. But, in any case, I am rather reassured that by continuing to work, I can return to my best level.”
“I’m still here”
Indeed, Bourgarit was one of the most prominent Blues in the first act. Omnipresent in the fight, he proved that there was one of the most powerful players in his post in France. “It gives me self -confidencehe assures. We have banged a lot, runs a lot. But, physically, I was pretty good. It allows me to resume playing time. And what could be better than facing one of the best world teams? Nothing, I think. It is the only thing that allows you to be as competitive as possible. But there was not just positive. I still had a penalty whistled against me on the third test. There were three or four on the tour. It means that it remains of work but I am still happy. “
Above all, almost 28 years old and 17 selections, Bourgarit wants to send a clear message: he will still have to count on him in the future, despite immense competition in his post, with the presence of Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Maxime Lamothe or Gaëtan Barlot. But Mauvaka’s injury offers a great opportunity to all candidates for the fall window. The Maritime is again part: “Of course. As I said at the start of the tour, it’s always rewarding to be present. The French team? Over time, I learned that it is better to be there than not being there. That’s it, it allowed me to show the staff that I am still there.” And, despite the three defeats, it is already a victory in itself concerning him.