For almost 15 years, the Tarn-born lock has dazzled the rugby world with his talent. To his credit? 73 caps and a staggering list of honours: three-time French champion (2008, 2011, 2012), three-time European champion (2003, 2005, 2010) and three-time winner of the VI Nations (2004, 2007, 2010). LegendaryPlays spoke to the former Toulouse centre about some of the highlights of his career. To mark the release of the "Internationals" collection, Yannick Jauzion is doing what he does on the rugby pitch: no frills, no sentiment, just raw efficiency. The essential, again and again. 

What is your best memory of your career ? 

I think it was the 1/4 final against the All-Blacks. It's the context, it's the match, it's everything. We were the underdogs. I remember that we managed to reverse the psychological advantage as the match went on. And we managed to control the Blacks towards the end of the match. At club level, I've had some great moments, some great victories. But this was really special, in the context of the World Cup. And then the scenario of the match... it's powerful.

And your worst memory ? 

Er... I don't know... (he hesitates)... Oh yes, though: the final against Biarritz (Top 14 final 2006). Well, that was a bit of a rout and the start of a major shake-up at the club. I was lucky enough to go on tour just after that and end the year on a positive note. But to leave it at that is frustrating, that's for sure.

Who's the best player you've ever played with ? 

Fabien Pelous, because of his aura, his presence. And then Thierry Dusautoir, in his own way. They were the most consistent. Then in terms of talent, I started at Colomiers and I was lucky enough to play with Fabien Galthié and Jean-Luc Sadourny. And Jean-Luc was a very talented man. In his running, his timing. He couldn't do everything, but he excelled at it. And I liked that. 

Which player did you fear the most ? 

At international level, I played against Tana Umaga a few times. He was a difficult player to play against because of his athleticism. I played him a bit at the end, but then... He had speed like a lot of All-Blacks, but he also had power. He was very impressive. In France, there was Christophe Dominici, who was hard to get hold of. He was complicated to play against. He was difficult to defend. He had a very toned build and was very fast. 

Can you tell us about your best try ?

It was in 2010, in the ¼ final of the European Cup at home to Stade Français. I managed to catch the ball with one hand and I gave it to Florian (Fritz), who passed his arms and as he fell he gave the ball back to me. Then I was tackled just before the line, but I got up and a couple of plays later I picked the ball up to go and score in a pick-and-go. 

What's the most beautiful stadium you've ever played in, apart from the Stade de France? 

I like Cardiff, but I don't know if it's to do with my first cap or not, but I really like the stadium in Johannesburg, Ellis Park. It's a special atmosphere in South Africa, a bit more folkloric, with music and singing. You can feel that the fans love rugby.