Top 14. Toulouse. Against Toulon, Nelson Epée confirmed his immense potential
If Gabin Villière impressed this Saturday evening during the victory of Toulon over Toulouse, his vis-à-vis, too, made a clean copy. Admittedly, he did not ask to shine like the RCT player, but Nelson Épée, for only his second pro appearance has once again proven that he will be counted on in the years to come.. In a “septist” duel, he had a hard time facing one of the best French wingers of the moment. But the 21-year-old struggled especially in defense. And did not undergo the pressure of a Vélodrome full as an egg, and of the 65,000 spectators, most of them committed to the cause of Rugby Club Toulonnais. Strong.
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Like his first appearance against Stade Français, Nelson Épée added himself defensively, notably landing a superb tackle on Villière following a high ball. Always very aggressive in obscure tasks, he stood out offensively, on one of his only balls touched. In the 53rd minute, served in his 22 meters, the seven-time French international first eliminated Julien Hériteau with an outside hook, then took advantage of a light block from Fouyssac on Du Preez to take the interval. The latter pierces 40 meters then seeks interior support but chooses to play his one against an exterior against Aymeric Luc. He will finally be taken over by a tackle in pursuit of Gabin Villière. Should he have waited and returned to seek her inner support instead? Possible, because Épée will then isolate itself from its support and lose possession in the ruck.
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Yet defensively impeccable, he will be caught on the Toulon try, with an inside hook from Gabin Villière. He will certainly not be the only one, the Toulonnais breaking the tackles of Médard and Tolofua, Sword trying to come back in disaster, in vain. If we had to sum it up, the young winger did not have the opportunity to achieve all his qualities with the ball in hand. His only opportunity, saw him break through about fifty yards. On the other hand, he once again showed that he could be solid defensively as in his first match against Stade Français. A promising player who deserves to be reviewed and from whom we therefore expect a lot. And now, we would like to see him offensively. But all that will come little by little, and something tells us that a bright future is destined for him.