One of the most robust full backs in the French squad, Nicolas Brusque talks to rugbyworldcup.com about what he brings to the French side in this Tournament.
At 27 years of age, Brusque has been in the French squad for six years, his first cap coming against Romania in 1997.
Though he could now almost be termed a veteran, his career may never have risen to the heights of first choice French full back, had it not been for his coach from his first club [Section Paloise], Jean-Michel Aguirre.
Aguirre sent the current French full back on his way, first sponsoring him for selection in the Barbarians in 1998 and in the same year pushing him to seven-a-side rugby, the move designed to cultivate the young back’s all-round skills.
Since that date, the name of Brusque has always been in consideration for a place in the French IRB Sevens squad, although a successful international XV-a-side career has limited his appearances to just one game.
“A full back must be Mr No-Mistake”
When the team for the game against Ireland in the quarter final of RWC 2003 was announced, the coach Bernard Laporte picked Brusque at full back for the reason: “He brings serenity to the group.”
This is an opinion that obviously gives confidence to Brusque when he takes the field for France in such a key position.
“As a full back you need to have a powerful kicking game to repel your opponent back into his camp,” explains Brusque, who also plays in the same position for French club side Biarritz.
“A full back must be Mr No-Mistake and he has to give his best,” Brusque insisted.
Calming influence
Everybody acknowledges the calming and stable nature of Brusque, and so having him as the last line of defence can bring all the confidence required and the assurance that there won’t be any loose ball that the opponents can take advantage of.
“I am a quiet boy in everyday life and you can see it on the pitch,” he said.
“The way I play is not made of individual exploits. From the start I fitted the mould and I try to stick to it as much as possible.”
In his mind, in his gestures, Nicolas Brusque is confident for the rest of the Tournament.
The promising start of the French has brought an assurance to the group that will allow them to start their most difficult part of the RWC 2003 so far, the knockout quarter final, in excellent condition.