France loosehead Jefferson Poirot admits he learned a lot from his first taste of Test rugby after featuring in every game of the RBS 6 Nations for France.
The Bordeaux-Bègles prop made his international debut off the bench against Italy in the opening game of the Championship, and went on to start the remaining four games.
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With usual starter Eddy Ben Arous ruled out through injury, Poirot took on a more important role, including playing almost the entire game against Scotland at BT Murrayfield when replacement Vincent Pelo went off injured immediately after coming on.
And having been thrown in at the deep end, Poirot explained that he benefited greatly from the experience.
He said: “I don’t feel like I’m a better player but I managed to play a succession of matches, I feel good physically because I played at quite an intense rhythm. I pushed myself to the limit so I hope I can translate that on my return to Bordeaux.
“I learned a lot about myself, more than on rugby in general. I learned about my ability to push my limits. There were some games where I thought I would only be able to last for half an hour before playing an hour, or 80 minutes in Scotland.
“In a way I surprised myself. It gives me confidence and reassures me on the work we’re doing here.”
