XV of France U20: “It opens doors and it can go very quickly”, Biterrois Noa Zinzen ready to start the Tournament

Noa Zinzen (left), here alongside Lino Julien, his club teammate, at Racing 92. – WORLD RUGBY

Originally from Bédarieux, the third row is part of the France U20 XV this season. Debut in Hérault, transfer to Racing 92, world champion… interview with the 3rd row who will face Ireland this Saturday evening (9 p.m.) in Aix-en-Provence.

Hérault resident Noa Zinzen, third line holder, hopes to show off and help his team achieve a first continental success since 2018.

Before signing for Racing 92, you started in Hérault…

Yes, I started rugby at 4 years old in Bédarieux, then I left for Rives d’Orb when I was 10 to, finally, join the ASBH, two years later when I had the chance to be double champion of France in cadets.

How did you then adapt to Racing, far from your family ?

Racing 92 contacted me and I liked the infrastructure, so I decided to join them. It didn’t bother me too much when it came to adapting. It was a bit unusual because we were coming out of Covid and the first year, we didn’t play all season. But in another sense, it was easier to build relationships with the guys because we stayed locked in the training center together all week.

Captain of the Sky and White Hopes this season, extra pressure ?

I was already used to being one of the leaders of the team last year. It’s just my status that has changed. I speak all the time, barely more than last year. That's not much change.

When will there be a first match sheet in Top 14 ?

We must continue to perform well in the Espoirs to try to get into trouble with the pros as quickly as possible. If I have this chance, I must take it and try to move on.

Can the VI Nations Tournament be a springboard ?

We know that we are going to be observed, as much by the people in our club as by everyone else. It’s important to show up and perform well. We saw him in previous seasons with other guys, it opens doors and it can go very quickly, in particular we were able to see Lenni (Nouchi) last year.

Montpellier Maël Perrin on the bench

On the scoresheet against Ireland, there are eight of them who won the title last summer. On the front line, Lino Julien and Barnabé Massa will start the match. Then two at the 3rd line: Noa Zinzen and Mathis Castro-Ferreira. The latter will also be the captain of the Bleuets on the Aix-en-Provence side. At the back line, Léo Carbonneau will lead the French game while Mathis Ferté will cover the second curtain. On the bench, we find Thomas Duchêne and Maxence Biasotto. Montpellier native Maël Perrin will take his place on the bench to cover the 3rd line position.

Starting XV: Ferté; Arfeuil, Taccola, Desperes, Bosmorin; (o) Raffy, (m) Carbonneau; Tuifua, Castro-Ferreira (c.), Zinzen; Mézou, Gambini; Aouad, Massa, Julien.
Substitutes: Couly, Ametlla, Duchêne, Corso, Perrin, Quere Karaba, Nene, Biasotto.

You are talking about Lenni Nouchi, what makes him, Posolo Tuilagi or even Nicolas Deporteere special players ?

They are guys who are already very strong physically. But beyond that, they “stink” rugby. They adapt quickly to the game plan. And they are leaders, especially Lenni and “Nico”, dominant guys with a great mindset.

You were world champion in July 2023, without being one of the starters, how did you experience it ?

At the beginning, when the compositions are announced, the first day, you have to digest, it's complicated but then, you have an important role. We will analyze the opponents' matches to help our friends. We contribute in our own way to the final success and afterwards, when the job is done, we are happy and we are champions like everyone else.

Like every season, the team faces a large turnover. How to form a new group so quickly ?

He didn't move too much. In this generation, since we were in U18, we have been together. We have already shared selections and made connections together.

You will have an important role for your first Tournament, as vice-captain…

I'm already in the leaders. We have well-defined statuses but we share tasks fairly well.

What are the ambitions for this VI Nations Tournament ?

When you start a competition, what you want is victory. We were world champions, so obviously we have ambitions. We have a very strong group, so the final objective is to win this Tournament.

You start with the double title holders, what do you expect ?

The Irish will certainly be revengeful after the World Cup final. We are ready and I am convinced that it will be a good game.