Against Italy, beaten 33-8 for a third straight win in this Six Nations, the 2.03 m, 145 kg lock played the full 80 minutes, a rare feat in a position where players come off almost by reflex around the hour mark. Presented with it as a “challenge” by the coaching staff, Meafou said yes, and then above all worked through his jobs with limitless energy, scrum after scrum, ruck after ruck.

As late as the 78th minute, the Stade Toulousain player was still smashing holes. The mark of an engine that does not stall and a work rate that goes well beyond the simple bulldozer cliché. His figures speak for him, in fact. On his 14th cap, “Manny” made 30 metres with ball in hand, often offering himself as a focal point and taking a fair number of defenders out of the game. His carries, rough and abrasive and full of edge, regularly had the arena in Villeneuve-d’Ascq roaring…

Repeating the efforts

He also piled up 10 tackles – most of them on the front foot – answering perfectly the physical challenge expected and laid down by the Italians. To top it all, Meafou scored his first try in the France jersey, all power, and thanks to a “made in Toulouse” connection with Dupont.

“It’s my best match with the France team“, the man himself smiled after the final whistle, following a well-earned shower. How could you argue? It is true that since his lung infection in the winter of 2025, the Toulouse man had been struggling to find his best level again. His impact was no longer the same, for club or country.

Meafou did considerable damage to the Italian defence (and attack). Eliot Blondet – Icon Sport.

At a time when the giant Tao (Romain Taofifenua) is no longer really in the plans, and when Posolo Tuilagi is not confirming his potential, Manny Meafou is coming back into form at the right moment, a little over a year and a half from the 2027 World Cup on home soil in Australia.

In the second row, France look well stocked. Mickaël Guillard has already shown his qualities in the position. But for Meafou, “the rest before Scotland and England” will do him good. Eighty minutes of that intensity takes it out of you. “A bit tired in the shoulders“, the giant laughed. The promise glimpsed against the Nazionale now has to be confirmed in the last two matches, decisive ones in the race for the Grand Slam.

Because that is exactly where the difficulty lies. Repeating the efforts, backing up the good games, becoming consistent and stringing big performances together. His confidence is back. The coaching staff were waiting for him. He has proved it. He has to keep going. One thing is certain: the lock knows where his strength comes from: faith. “Thanks be to God, thank you Lord for your grace. Nothing is possible without him”, Meafou said to France TV.