Top 14. Melvyn Jaminet (Toulouse): “In these first months here, I have deteriorated enormously”
By Clement Mazella
Published on
Faced with stiff competition in Toulousethat he never had when he played in Perpignan, Melvin Jaminet (23 years old; 12 selections) took his first steps with the Rouge et Noir, leader of the Top 14 after six days. Author of his first test, he said he was relieved, even if he is not the type to focus on stats. He talks about the role of scorer, which he also holds less.
News: Melvyn, you scored your first try with Toulouse last week against Clermont. It’s also your first in the Top 14. Relieved?
Melvin Jaminet: It is true that this had caused a lot of talk about this statistic. But as I often say, stats I don’t care too much about. The main thing is to perform well on the pitch. Afterwards, I admit, I was very happy to score this try, and I will give everything to make it happen again.
Is a trip to Brive prepared differently when you wear the Perpignan or Toulouse jersey?
GM: No. The preparation is the same. With Perpignan, as we were fighting with the CAB for maintenance, it counted twice as much. But it’s not because you play at the top of the table with Toulouse that you go there differently. When you go there, you know you will have a fight. It is also a team that is carried by its public, and puts a lot of intensity in everything it does. We will be expected there. He will have to respond aggressively in the fight, but also hold the ball and avoid making all these mistakes seen since the start of the season.
What is the biggest change you have noticed since your arrival, and do you already have the feeling of having changed dimension?
GM: Personally, I don’t know if I’ve ever changed dimensions. The biggest change lies in the desire to play, to travel, which changes me enormously. I was less used to this before, it even made me feel weird at first. Afterwards, over these first months here, I decreased enormously. That’s why I’m satisfied to have joined Toulouse: I feel that I’m progressing and that I have a lot of room for improvement.
On a start to the season shown in that there is a turnover, each player wants to earn his place, and that is good for the team.
How did your integration into this club with an exceptional record go?
GM: I feel very good, and I quickly feel acclimatized to this city. It’s important to feel good in the city where you arrive. Within the club, I knew a few players through the France team and that was a plus, I feared less. The rest happened naturally, and I think there is really good competition in this group.
You are a scorer, and we know that the benchmarks in a stadium are essential. Have you already acquired any within the confines of Ernest-Wallon?
GM: Before coming in front of you, I was stumbled on the lawn of Ernest-Wallon. Even if I stumble less, I still train as much. I love that. And if there is need that I stumble in match on this ground, I will do it without concern.
Where does this phenomenal punching power come from?
GM: If I knew, I would say so (laughs). I am often asked the question, and personally I do not know. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved butter, and I think I have a fairly natural hit. I don’t have big thighs though (laughs). It may come from the striking technique, you don’t need to be strong to hit the lunge. When I was little, I was hitting, I was backing up and each week I was trying to stumble further and further. Well, after a while, I couldn’t go back. With the work, the power came with it.
How do you experience competition in your position where there are many of you with Thomas Ramos, Ange Capuozzo, even Juan Cruz Mallia?
GM: It’s going very well. Competition is very healthy here. Everyone wants to play, it’s normal when you’re a competitor. It pulls us up, it’s beneficial for each of us and for the team. On a start to the season shown in that there is a turnover, each player wants to earn his place, and that is good for the team.
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