Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang has only played in the two away games for Section Paloise this season. The 26-year-old wing will return to the starting lineup on Saturday in Vannes, wearing the number 11 jersey, which he has only used in away matches. An Olympic champion, he watched the two home games from the stands, against Bayonne (70-28) and La Rochelle (39-17). He admitted to Sud Ouest that it was « definitely very difficult » to sit out those matches. The team's wing position has changed, in part because of the confirmation of Rodrigo Marta, a Portuguese recruit. Grandidier-Nkanang acknowledges that Marta has had an « enormous start to the season » and that it is difficult to replace players of that caliber. The coaching staff has the flexibility to choose different players based on the opposition. Grandidier-Nkanang says he is « always in the discussion » with the coaching team, including head coach Sébastien Piqueronies. Rodrigo Marta has already scored six tries in four matches. For comparison, Grandidier-Nkanang started 21 games in the Top 14 last season and scored five tries. However, the two players contribute differently to the Bearnese team. Grandidier-Nkanang believes he stands out with his ability to handle high balls and his speed. He adds that « each man has his little thing. » He describes this as « a real headache » for the coaches, though some may call it a problem of having too many talented players. The Bearnese back three also includes Théo Attissogbe and Grégoire Arfeuil. Head coach Antoine Nicoud sees this competition as « the best news. » He mentions a rivalry that is « quite positive, » where players challenge each other « to pull each other up and not in a suffocating way. » He believes it is the result of successful opportunities given to young players. « It is necessary that we manage to play the boys on each of their qualities, » Nicoud said. The competition is also affected by the calendar. French internationals « protected » must take a mandatory rest weekend after every block of four consecutive matches. This includes wings Théo Attissogbe and Grégoire Arfeuil, as well as center Fabien Brau-Boirie. The Pau coaching staff must plan around these rest periods while still varying their lineup. Grandidier-Nkanang accepts this challenge. He agrees: « It will be necessary to fight for his place. » He has experienced this situation « a bit throughout [his] short career. » Even though he is competing with the Portuguese international, he has developed « a super relationship » with Marta, both on and off the field. That, he says, is also rugby.