Landed in anonymity in January 2021, the Argentinian established himself as a manager of the French and Europe champion team. Capable of evolving in all positions from 10 to 15, its role will be essential in front of the UBB this Sunday.
Six months to convince
Without a club after the Argentine Jaguare franchise, Juan Cruz Mallia arrives at the Toulouse stadium in January 2021 as a medical joker of the wingers Lucas Tauzin and Arthur Bonneval. Little known in France, he was warmly recommended to Ugo Mola by Gonzalo Quesada, who was the coach of the Jaguares, a surprise surprise of the Super Rugby in 2019. “I knew that the stadium could rush my eyes closed. I even told them at the time that they could keep me responsible if it did not work. Knowing his talent, I was not really worried ”recalls the current Italian coach for Olympic Midi. Mallia then signs for six months. “I had signed for six months, it left me shortly to prove me. After this short contract, I had nothing. So I knew we had to do everything to make it work with Toulouse ”, had he entrusted to Figaro. Its thunderous end of the season – holder at the center during the Champions Cup final and at the wing during that of the Top 14, both won against the Rochelais stadium – convinces the Toulouse stadium to have it signed a two -year contract. That he then extended until 2025. Aged only 28 years old, he is currently negotiating a new lease with Toulouse leaders.
Two months to speak French
A month after his arrival in the pink city, “Juanchi” (his nickname) breaks a finger. Two months of unavailability. That he decides to take advantage of to take intensive French lessons. “Before coming to Toulouse, I didn’t even know how to say hello”likes to recall Mallia. Inevitably, four years later, he masters the language of Molière.
-The Swiss stadium knife
Juan Cruz Mallia has wide versatility. Rear, center, winger, opener. He is able to occupy all these positions with the same success, even if his preference goes to number 15. “It is at the back that I have fun”he said often. Between reminders and duel in defense, he feasts. But it is not exclusive, especially at the Toulouse stadium. “”As I often say, here we play without number in the back. On the ground, we play everywhere. So no matter where I am placed, I only think of making my contribution to the collective. And all my teammates do the same. ” Swiss knife therefore. But in what proportions? Since February 2021, the Argentinian has played 85 games with the Toulousain stadium (all competitions combined), including 67 as a holder. What positions did these meetings started? Four times in the center (all during its first season), thirteen times at the rear, 21 times at the opening and 29 times at the wing (very mostly in 14, therefore on the left). It was at this last post that he started the two finals – Top 14 and Champions Cup, also won – last season. His fifth title with Toulouse. To lift the Brennus shield in 2023, the Puma with 57 selections was replacing at the start. This Sunday, Ramos and Kinghorn Packages, it is at the back that he will hold against the UBB in the semi-finals of Champions Cup.
Test marker and scorer
Then versatile. And also decisive. “Juanchi” has already registered 29 tries in the Toulouse jersey. Including that, decisive, in the Champions Cup 2021 final against the Rochelais stadium. He is also able to stop. In Top 14, he has already scored 141 points at the foot (15 penalties and 48 transformations). A responsibility he will probably take on Sunday against the Bordeaux. A first for him in Champions Cup and in a direct elimination match. This season, the Puma has scored 69 points in the league, 84 % success.
An idol named Messi
Mallia is Argentinian, the country where football is king. Until the age of 15, the native of Cordoba also practiced these two ball sports in concert. Before choosing the oval. But his idol is not a rugby player since it is Lionel Messi, in the inspiring journey according to him. “He always worked to realize dreams, never let go”told the Toulousain to Rugby drama. The comparison of his coachman Mathis Castro-Ferreira therefore had to the flatter. “As soon as he touches a ball, Juan manages to create the lag. Basically, I think it’s a bit of rugby messi ”recently released the young third-Ligne-Lousian line.
