Paul Costes from Toulouse at Le Figaro: “I analyze the races of Sella and O’Driscoll a lot”

In an interview with Le Figaro, Paul Costes (21 years old) spoke at length. The Stade Toulousain player has revealed himself this season at the center of the Rouge et Noir attack, impressing with his enthusiasm and talent. The young under-20 world champion looked back on his season, the competition at his position, the Champions Cup quarter-final against Exeter on Sunday (4 p.m.) and delivered one of his astonishing routines.

LE FIGARO. - Paul, what inspires you about the challenge that awaits you against Exeter? Paul COSTES. - We're not going to be demagogic, these matches are different. Unconsciously, the concentration is not the same. The preparation is similar to the one we had before the round of 16 won against Racing 92. The difference is that it is a new team, foreign this time, to analyze and observe.

You will start this Sunday for the quarter-final. You seem to be enjoying this season...Even though things have been going very quickly since last year, I'm trying to keep the same playing philosophy that has been mine for a long time. At the moment it doesn't seem to bother anyone so I'll continue! Otherwise, yes, I really enjoy it. As long as it's enjoyable and I'm having fun, all the stars are aligned, let it continue!

Does the competition in your position put pressure on you? It's tough, yes. And compared to other clubs, when we have a poor performance or a mistake, we can quickly be pushed aside because there are very good players behind us. You might think that the pressure is increased tenfold compared to that but it's more in the pre-matches, during the week because, when we're on the pitch, we don't have time to think about all that and fortunately . It's easier to just think about rugby... But the main thing is to be free on the pitch and I think I am, so no problem!

How would you describe your game and what is your main room for improvement? What's hard, when you're young, is being in a framework. We leave the rugby school, then the association, where we still have a certain freedom. When you enter into a professional scheme, you have to know how to channel these elements. We have to use our qualities wisely and at the right time and not always try what we would have done in the younger categories. This is undoubtedly my main room for improvement. Namely that I have to calibrate my game according to the moment and the match, while maintaining this hyperactive side and taking risks. Sometimes, when you take it, it produces good things so I have to continue but in a controlled manner.

Some of your attitudes, and in particular your “offloads” (post-contact passes, Editor’s note) remind us of the All Black Sonny Bill Williams…Sonny Bill, I love him! But it’s a very different physique. The post-contact pass is different when you are 1m95 and 110kg than when you are 1m83 and 90kg (laughs). I try to absorb his gesture. I also watch and analyze the races and the activity of players a little more in my profile like Philippe Sella or Brian O'Driscoll. They were smaller and faster…I watch tapes of the best!

Do you have a little routine before, during or after matches? I'm not superstitious but I'm very active. I like to move. An hour before the match, I go out to score. I've been struggling for a very long time, but mainly with warming up. I have always played among the youngsters and I have kept this routine because it makes me happy.

What's it like playing with Antoine Dupont? I'm often asked that question, even at family meals! In training, we don't really realize it but in matches, yes. When we played against Bordeaux, I had a special feeling. Plus, he was at fly-half, so we were closer on the pitch. I had monstrous pleasure. What makes him different, beyond the incredible qualities he possesses, is communication. He talks a lot. We play in an armchair because, as soon as the ball arrives, we already know what is going to happen opposite and we already know what to do because it gives us all the possibilities.