He is like that Paolo Garbisi. Always smiling and polite. The Italian opener, late for more than an hour, apologizes flatly and approaches the interview with an XXL smile. "Do I keep the mask on or not? Am I still a handsome boy with the mask on? Arf, we could improve the lighting a little so that it's perfect on camera" laughs the international azzuri (14 caps). It's time for him, a week before joining the selection and the Six Nations Tournament, to take a look at his first part of the season in Montpellier. In impeccable French.

Paolo, after being affected by Covid, how are you feeling?

Frankly, I feel very good mentally, physically too. I played 15 minutes last week to get back into the rhythm of the game. I'm really ready for this weekend and I think we can go to La Rochelle with a lot of energy.

After seven months in Montpellier, how is your integration going?

I feel very good here, with my friends, in the field, in everyday life. Then I really like life in Montpellier, the city.

What was the hardest thing about immersing yourself in life here?

Clearly, the Top 14. Excluding rugby, it was really easy. Afterwards, at rugby level, it was more complicated, especially at the start. After 2-3 matches, I integrated and got used to it. But of course I always have to progress.

Before arriving, you had never played in front of the public because of the Covid, did you get used to it?

I think so. In Top 14, there is a lot of public, a big atmosphere in all the stadiums. I felt it in Bordeaux or Biarritz in particular. It's really cool for rugby, and I love playing in that atmosphere. But at the beginning, I needed a bit to get used to it.

Is it disturbing on penalties?

Frankly, I manage not to listen to them (laughs). They are really a lot to whistle but rugby is that too.

The Six Nations Tournament, the enclosures will be much bigger...

I'm definitely going to have to get used to that too. The Tournament is something else again. I can't wait to see how it will turn out.

Are you excited to play this Tournament?

Oh yes! But until Saturday, I'm thinking of La Rochelle and then I'll switch to Italy.

You will notably face your teammate Paul Willemse, who is often formidable on the field.

Of course. But afterwards, he can't catch up with me, I go much faster than him (laughs). He is a very important player for us, and for the France team.

The victory against Exeter gave credibility to your qualification?

We knew we only needed one point to qualify. But we knew we had the qualities to win that match and we had a very good match. And why not go for something very interesting in the European Cup?