Nathan Decron (Pau): “We all want to be the first generation to qualify for the club”

Was the match against Montpellier, with victory (31-23), one of the best controlled in recent weeks?

Yes and no. I feel that we have mastered it, but certain sectors have not, such as the fingerboard for example. We didn’t have many balls to exploit. But paradoxically, we managed to stay cool and ready in those moments to start with simple things and manage the meeting. In the end, we still got more than thirty points, so it’s still very positive.

Isn’t it the reflection that grows and matures?

I hope so (smile). In the last three years, there has been a lot of turnover among the players. It took time to adapt, it was a new project. It took a lot of work. Little by little, I feel that the effort is starting to pay off. Offensively we find ourselves, we know in which direction we want to go. Our foundation has to be defence, but we still have a lot of room for improvement in this area at the end of the season. We have to show it this weekend in Lyon. If we are to hope for anything on the outside, we absolutely must have a defense and discipline at a very high level.

Exactly, doesn’t this meeting in Lyon look like some kind of shift for the end of the season?

Yes, but there are others behind, including two more trips (La Rochelle and Racing 92, editor’s note). But if we manage to have a big game in Lyon and bring home points, we will inevitably put ourselves in a position that will be more comfortable. Be careful, I think Lyon have the third record at home in the championship. We want to make a great achievement, but we want to remain very humble. To win would be an achievement, but I hope we can achieve it.

Your manager Sébastien Piqueronies indicated on Saturday that you were “authorized to dream and take responsibility [votre] desire to reach top 6″…

Of course we want to dream. And dream, it will at least involve an away win. Even if we win our two home games, by not taking points away we will be too far away from the top six. There could also be three defensive bonuses on the road, with offensive bonuses at home… There are plenty of possibilities. But I repeat, we will remain very humble. Lyon are struggling away, but this team is still formidable at home.

Has qualification become a goal in the group?

Obviously we play rugby to experience those moments and we want to get a top 6 finish. It would be a historic first for the club and we all want to be the first generation to qualify. We did the work last weekend to allow us to look up. Now we must continue to be able to dream.

During the last trips you lost by three points in Clermont, then by two points in Toulouse. Have these two defeats led to some frustration?

I wasn’t at Clermont, but I think the scenario of the match encourages us to be satisfied with the defensive bonus. We suffered rather, but the team did not give up and managed to get a point. In Toulouse it is a little different. I experienced this fight and we regretted it. By controlling the end of the match a little better, we could have taken four points even if the day before the match we should have all signed for a defensive bonus. It is important to take away points. We also took one in Montpellier.

This is your third season in Pau. Did you sense the growing potential of this club?

Yes, the project was really established over three years. The first season we were very quickly maintained. The second was a bit complicated where we tried to avoid thirteenth place until almost the last day. This season we are on target. It is up to us to continue the progress.

Personally, are you experiencing your best season in the Pau jersey?

During my first, before my injury (on the back, editor’s note), That went really well. I started in all the games. Afterwards I went through this injury period and last season I came back little by little, without finding my real level. This year it’s going pretty well. I played quite a lot. There are five games left, I want to do them all and hopefully there will be one or two more.

The pair of former Agenais in the center, with Emilien Gailleton, seems to work quite well …

Yes, it works well. Our two profiles are complementary. Afterwards, no matter who I’m lined up with, I’m happy as soon as I’m on the pitch.

We mentioned Emilien Gailleton, but he embodies, along with many other players, a talented youth in Pau. Is this one of the group’s great assets?

Absolutely. These young people have joined the group and have confidence in themselves and their qualities, while at the same time showing respect. When we see the season that Théo produces (Attissogbe)… Honestly, it’s exceptional. Hugo Parrou starts playing his first matches and responds every time. Hugo Auradou too. Axel Desperes made almost all the battle parks. Emily (Gailleton) is still young but he is already in the French team! There are still some behind. It’s very good, and you have to find the right balance with experienced guys in the side. Although they are capable, it is up to us to continue to support them so that it lasts.