“I love this club, we are building something special”: Jordan Uelese opens up before MHR-Racing 92

Jordan Uelese (27 years old, 19 caps), Australian hooker for MHR, spoke before the match against Racing 92 this Saturday, December 21.

How do you feel after these two Challenge matches? ?

It was good. We reassured ourselves about our game plan. Many guys were able to get playing time. It is important for our season that some youngsters get a taste of the top level. Obviously, the level compared to the Top 14 is very different, it is much harder. We switched this week. The next block of three matches is very important. We'll see what we'll play in the championship.

You arrived in Hérault three months ago. How do you cope with the frenetic pace of the Top 14 ?

It was so hard. In Super Rugby, the game is very fast, less physical. But I like it. I've always been a player who's more into contact, the scrum. And I love this Montpellier club. We're building something special, fueled by past events. Above all, we remain humble.

Did you imagine how difficult this championship would be? ?

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Yes, I expected it. You know, I've always dreamed of coming to play here, in France. For me, it's the best competition in the world at the moment. All the best players in the world are here. I play against the best.

“Brandon recommended the best places to go”

Did you have an adjustment period? ?

Every week, I feel better. As you saw, my start to my season wasn’t very good. I needed time. The language barrier didn’t help, plus the apprehension of how to play. My French has improved, which is good. I like practicing with the boys.

Which team impressed you the most?

Bordeaux. I haven’t played against Toulouse yet. But the atmosphere in Bordeaux, the quality of the players like Jalibert, Bielle-Biarrey, Ben Tameifuna… It was pretty cool.

Did you talk to Brandon Paenga Amosa before coming??

Of course, he’s a very good friend, a great guy. He recommended the best places to play. He's someone who likes to eat well, you can see that, right? ? (Laughs) He told me about the Montpellier project, the game plan, the guys.

The toughness of the scrum in Top 14, is it a myth? ?

Oh no. The guys are stronger here. Didier Bès does a huge job with us. It's a real goal for us to perform well in this sector. In Australia, it's a sector that we work like any other, in which everyone does what they want. Here, each link in the scrum is important and tries to learn to work with the other.

Joan Caudullo says that you are already part of the leaders…

Uh, I mainly try to stay humble. I came to get to know the guys. It is important to know your close ones before taking initiatives. I do not talk much. I prefer to show on the field, earn the respect of the guys, put the club in the best place.

To talk, I leave the leaders like Billy (Vunipola), Lenni (Nouchi) and Yacouba (Camara).