France-Japan: Chalureau and Verhaeghe, two friends back on their land in Toulouse
Teammates in club and friends in life, Florian Verhaeghe and Bastien Chalureau return to Toulouse, their adopted land. But with the jersey of their dream, that of the Blues, to face Japan this Sunday, November 20 (2 p.m.).
It can’t just be a coincidence. Or else, chance does things very well. Toulouse is the source of everything for them. Their talent, their rugby education, but also some traces, to different degrees depending on one or the other. Unwittingly, perhaps, this city is also the origin of their “bromance”. Because since their arrival in Montpellier in 2020, Bastien Chalureau and Florian Verhaeghe are inseparable. “We all sleep at home anyway,” reassures Chalureau with a smile. This Sunday, it’s side by side that the two giants (2m and 2.02m) will find this city where it all began for them.
Except that this time, they don’t come with the MHR jersey on their shoulders to prove that you can flourish elsewhere than within the parent company. No, there they come as friends and their eyes are full of stars. At the start of the afternoon, they will face Japan dressed in an unusual blue. Not with the one who triggered the Brennus Shield last June, but with France. Chalureau to celebrate his second selection there, Verhaeghe his big first.
Thank you
A moment as magical as it is unexpected awaits these two. Initially, they were supposed to watch the Quiet Fall Tour in front of the TV. Except that the absences of Paul Willemse (hamstrings) and Thibaut Flament (concussion) prompted the staff of the XV of France to align the two friends on the score sheet for the last international match of the year. “We need all our high-level players, all the time. The World Cup, we can start it on the sofa and finish it at the Stade de France for the final”, recalled Fabien Galthie during the team announcement on Thursday. The message ? Always believe in his hour of glory.
Both had an impressive season last year
For Florian Verhaeghe, originally from Montauban, putting on the blue tunic was only a matter of time. Formatted for the high level, the slender second line saw his explosion retardant through injuries. In Montpellier, it took him several months to start chaining due to a recalcitrant shoulder. Since then, it has become essential. “I’ve never seen a guy put so many boards on the tackles. And in the scrum, despite his size, it pushes very hard,” laughs his teammate at MHR Enzo Forletta. His dexterity in the aerial game also makes him a major asset for the champions of France.
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France-Japan: Florian Verhaeghe on the bench with the Blues, back on the course of this hard worker
Chalureau? The way he has handled himself since his arrival in Hérault has made him one of the roughest number 5 in the Top 14. “He is strong, massive, very strong in the rucks and with the ball in hand” , explains Forletta. “Both had an impressive season last year”, even assures Fabien Galthié.
“With Flo, on a completely different life. He is really the top athlete who pays attention to his diet, his physical preparation. Me, I’m more the opposite, in devil mode. We complement each other well”, smiles Chalu. It seems that opposites attract…