Setariki Tuicuvu starts for the play-off against Castres, discover the RCT line-up
Pierrick ILIC-RUFFINATTI Published on 06/13/2025 at 6:15 p.m., updated on 06/13/2025 at 6:16 p.m.
Last season, newly arrived from Brive, Setariki Tuicuvu dazzled Toulon's season with his talent. Imperturbable in defense, elusive with the ball in his hands and constantly decisive, the Fijian international (29 years old, 12 caps) established himself as Pierre Mignoni's undisputed player (1691 minutes played, by far the most used Toulon player).
But seasons follow one another and (obviously) are not always the same on the harbor. And while we never imagined for a single second that he could emerge from a possible XV type, "Seta" has gradually lost the margin he had over his competitors.
And whether on the wing or in the center, the magician from Nadi has finally lost his essential status.
Cruel? However, for the play-off that awaits RCT against Castres this Saturday (9:05 p.m.) at Mayol, Setariki Tuicuvu will regain a starting spot. Taking advantage of the absences of Gaël Dréan (personal reasons) and Gabin Villière (concussion), the Fijian will start on the wing of the Toulon attack.
An opportunity for the former Brive player to remind everyone that he's a different kind of player, capable of turning any match around? In any case, two and a half months (March 29th... in Castres) after his last start, Setariki Tuicuvu has been given the opportunity to turn the tables.
For the rest, Pierre Mignoni was able to field his "first-choice" team. With the exception of long-term absentees (Charles Ollivon and Gianmarco Lucchesi), the Toulon manager will be able to count on all his key players.
The small surprise, if there ever was one, comes on the bench, where the former scrum-half has chosen to place his trust in veteran Ma'a Nonu. The two-time world champion, who recently celebrated his 43rd birthday, will thus be responsible for bringing his experience and punch to the end of the match.
On the Castres side, we note the starting line-ups of two former Toulon players: Florent Vanverberghe and Louis Le Brun. Levan Chilachava, Leone Nakarawa and Julien Dumora will be on the bench.
Var-Matin
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