French Fijians Shine In Top 14 Opener
The French Top 14 rugby comp got off to a great start last weekend.
It was great in the sense that some of our players performed well for their respective clubs while others were rested for administrative purposes.
2016 Rio Olympic Games gold medallist, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, was pushed to the forwards and played at openside flanker for Montpellier in their 24-24 draw against Toulon.
Dakuwaqa however, took time to congratulate Toulon’s recruit Jiuta Wainiqolo for helping the Fijian 7s team win the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medal.
Dakuwaqa’s team-mate Josua Vici was not in the Match23 squad along with Petero Tuwai of Toulon.
Veteran Flying Fijians lock Leone Nakarawa and Wainiqolo were rested by Toulon for administration purposes sine they have just arrived.
Veteran Flying Fijians first five eight, Ben Volavola, was on the reserve bench while Virimi Vakatawa played for Racing 92 as they raced away to a 36- 21 win over Stade Francaise who fielded centre Waisea Nayacalevu and Fijian-born Wallaby winger, Sefa Naivalu.
Towering lock Tevita Ratuva and Setareki Bituniyata scored a try each for Brive as they beat Perpignan 36-15.
Coming in as replacement for Perpignan was lock Tevita Cavubati while Brine No.8 Kitione Kamikamica was replaced in the 59 th minute.
Clermont started with Peceli Yato, Alivereti Raka and Apisai Naqalevu in their 28-19 loss to Lyon.
Prop Peni Ravai came in as a sub for Clermont and so were Temo Mayanavanua and Noa Nakaitaci for Lyon.
Eneriko Buliruarua played his first game for La Rochelle as they went down 20-16 to Toulouse.
The Ronan O’Gara- coached side were let down by the goalkickers who missed kickable penalties while veteran centre Levani Botia did not play.
Castres with strong running second five-eight Adrea Cocagi and winger Filipo Nakosi starred in Castres 16-12 win over Pau who fielded Jale Vatubua and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist Aminiasi Tuimaba.
Week One: Our Top Five Players
- Adrea Cocagi (Castres):
The strong running second five eight was in impressive form in their opening game. The rugby league convert has provided stiff competition on Vilimoni Botitu for the No.12 jersey. Watch Adrea this season and a contender for the Flying Fijians jumper.
- Setareki Bituniyata (Brive):
The burly rugger is one of the best wingers in the Top 14. He scored a try last weekend and expect more tries coming from him this season.
- Aminiasi Tuimaba (Pau):
Back from the Olympics- watch him stamp his mark in the competition. A sure starter for the Flying Fijians in the November Test matches.
- Tevita Ratuva (Brive):
Our Flying Fijian lock started with a bang as he scored a try as they raced away with a handy win. Promising things are ahead of him if he keeps up with his performance.
- Masivesi Dakuwaqa (Montpellier):
He was recruited as a utility back, but the tough Fijian put on a No.7 jumper and was in mesmerizing form. Looking forward to making his Test debut for the Flying Fijians in November.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
