5 weeks into the Top 14 and Toulouse is the only undefeated side. Let’s see what happened in the games with our players involved.

Brive move into third

Brive feature more Fijians than any other professional club in the world with 6 Fijians signed to their top side with another 3 in their academy.

They won their third match of the season to move into equal third on the ladder. Tevita Ratuva started at lock with Setareki Bituniyata on the wing. His 100 run metres were the most in the match. He also beat 6 defenders off 12 runs with 1 clean break and 3 offloads to his stats sheet in an impressive afternoon. Peni Narisia off the bench for the second half and Kitione Kamikamica came on in the 52nd minute.

Waisea Nayacalevu started at centre for Stade Francais and managed to beat 6 defenders along with 3 offloads from 7 runs in a tough encounter. Brive won the match 19-12 leaving Stade Francais at the bottom of the Top 14 table. Still no confirmation on Sefa Naivalu’s injury.

Temo Mayanavanua came off the bench in the 61st minute for Lyon in their 15-20 loss to second placed Bordeaux. Josua Tuisova is expected back in the next 1-2 weeks.

La Rochelle Slump

Masivesi Dakuwaqa came off the bench for Montpellier in their 21-11 victory over La Rochelle who have started the season in a slump, losing their 4th game. They are tied at the bottom with Stade Francais. Last years runners-up had Levani Botia and Eneriko Buliruarua in their starting centre positions for the second straight week but they couldn’t repeat their impressive showing from last week.

Back on Dakuwaqa and it seems he has transformed into a full time flanker as he has played every match this season either as starting flanker or as a back row substitute.

Tuimaba red carded

Pau won their second straight match this time with a 29-14 victory over Perpignan. Aminiasi Tuimaba was aggressive early putting in a big hit but was also red carded in the 25th minute.

Hitman Jale Vatubua was at his attacking best, scoring a try after initially making the break that led to the try. He put in a lovely kick inside after making a break down the left touchline which almost led directly to a 5 pointer but he was there a minute later to finish the move. Pau move into 5th with a 3 and 2 record.

Alivereti Duguivalu started on the wing for Perpignan with Tevita Cavubati coming on in the 55th minute.

Toulouse still undefeated

Biarritz nearly handed Toulouse their first loss of the season when they succumbed to a 17-11 scoreline. Johnny Dyer started at lock with Wallabies duo Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani returning.The loss leaves them in 12th spot going into Day 6.

Castres into top 4

Castres move into the top with a comfortable 27-16 win over Toulon who never really looked like winning the match. Vilimoni Botitu was at his usual centre position with Filipo Nakosi returning from injury.

Adrea Cocagi came off the bench in the 50th minute for Botitu. For Toulon Leone Nakarawa was yellow carded in the 36th minute while Petero Tuwai made his Top 14 debut starting on the wing. He managed 28 metres off 9 runs and also 1 defender beaten with 7 tackles made and none missed.

In the final match of the round Clermont got the chocolates from Racing 92 with a 26-17 win. Alivereti Raka scored the only try for his side in the 64th minute. It was as tough encounter which saw Clermont kick 7 penalties. Peni Ravai started at prop while Peceli Yato came off the bench in the 56th minute. Virimi Vakatawa was at centre for Racing, he was yellow carded in the 6th minute.

Please leave a comment below on what you think of the reviews. Should I continue to split them up or roll them all into one?

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Don’t forget to check out our first issue of the Rakaviti Online Magazine. Features Tanya Kalounivale, Serupepeli Vularika, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and more including our Drua prospects and team of the month for September. Click here to see what’s inside