France winger Ethan Dumortier is hoping to remain humble despite becoming a key player for this year’s Rugby World Cup hosts during the Six Nations.
Dumortier, 22, was only 18 minutes into France’s season when he finished second in the table behind Grand Slam winners Ireland.
The Lyon youngster has scored twice in five games for his country and his form has put him in doubt for a place in Fabien Galthie’s squad for the World Cup.
“My aim now is to stay grounded, stay humble and work hard like I’ve always done,” Dumortier told reporters after France’s 41-28 win over Wales.
“As a player, you dream of playing for France.
“That’s a small box that I’ve ticked in my short career. Now the goal is to stay here for a long time.”
France’s Six Nations got off to a slow start with a sluggish victory in Italy before being humiliated by eventual winners Ireland.
They ended the title defense with victories over Scotland, England and Wales and scored the most points and tries of the tournament.
“The start in the Six Nations was difficult,” said Dumortier.
“It was a bit mixed. I had the feeling that we didn’t give everything in attack, we weren’t at 100 percent.
“We changed and corrected that. At the end of the Six Nations we were much more dangerous.”
– ‘Set marker’ –
Dumortier made his Test debut in Rome in the opening weekend, scoring after just 26 minutes.
His call-up to the national team came after he crossed eight times in 11 league games this season.
“The intensity is on a different level, it’s about playing against the best players from each country,” he said.
“As a top 14 player I can take advantage of that, improve my game in the top 14 and then work towards playing for France next time.”
Dumortier, who played two seasons for France U20s after graduating from the academies of Bourgoin and Lyon, faces competition from the likes of Gabin Villiere and Matthis Lebel for a starting spot on Damian Penaud’s opposite wing.
France begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on September 8 in Paris after a two-month pre-season, which includes four warm-up games.
“It’s not up to me if I put a marker, it’s up to the coaches to call me up or not,” said Dumortier.
“I tried not to regret the Six Nations. We’ll see where the future takes me.
“If I’m lucky enough to be at the World Cup, I’ll give my all like I did for this Six Nations.”
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Source : sports.yahoo.com