The Japan Times - Rayasi's Bordeaux-Begles expecting 'tough' Top 14 run-in

Rayasi was a big part of Saturday's Champions Cup defence, providing an assist as the holders hammered four-time winners Leinster 41-19 in Bilbao, Spain.

After three days of celebrating, which included a bus tour of Bordeaux and a reception in front of 32,000 fans at their Stade Chaban-Delmas home, they turn their focus to Toulon, who are fighting for a place in next season's Champions Cup.

Bordeaux-Begles are in fifth place in the table with two rounds of the season to play, with one win likely enough to claim a play-off spot as they aim to replicate Toulouse's double success in 2024.

"We've got Toulon away and they were in the other Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster," Rayasi told AFP and newspaper L'Equipe on Saturday.

"It's going to be tough," the 29-year-old added.

Fleet-footed Rayasi joined UBB this season having spent just one year with Vannes following his move from the Hurricanes.

- Serve 'Lulu' -

In the city best know for its wine production, he has scored 15 tries in 25 outings this term in all competitions.

But he is just one diamond in a glittering backline that also features Damian Penaud, Pablo Uberti or Louis Bielle-Biarrey, French rugby's latest poster boy who scored twice in last Saturday's victory over the Irish province.

"I do back my skills in terms of giving 'Lulu' the ball, or Pablo Uberti or Damian Penaud," Wellington-born Rayasi said.

"I try to service in that way and at the same time try to find situations where I can make an impact in the game," he added.

Rayasi's move to France caught the attention of the Fiji set-up, and last June he followed in the footsteps of his father, Filipe, who won 13 caps for the Pacific Islanders as a free-running full-back in the 1990s, by making his Test debut.

"He couldn't kick to save his life," Rayasi said light-heartedly about his dad.

"If he had to kick it in the ocean, he'd kick it backwards.

"He's got two left feet," he jokingly added.

After the end of the Top 14 campaign, Fiji feature in the first Nations Championship with games against Wales, England and Scotland.

Rayasi wants to add to his four Test caps despite heavy competition in the Fiji back-line from the likes of the Top 14's leading try scorer, who has dotted down 17 times for Lyon this season, Jiuta Wainiqolo as well as Racing 92's canonball centre Josua Tuisova.

"I feel like my experience here, matches where it's high stakes, mean I have some sort of value to offer, Rayasi said.

"Josh Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo and a couple of other players as well who have played those high stakes games.

"I'm excited to get back in with the squad and if I get picked it would be awesome to share my experiences and try to contribute," he added.

Elsewhere, holders Toulouse can secure an automatic semi-final berth with a win over Lyon while second-placed Montpellier host Pau, who are third, in the race for the other direct spot in the last four.

A victory for Stade Francais at home to Bayonne, would secure the Parisians' place in the play-offs while Clermont welcome Racing 92 in an almost all-or-nothing tie for another spot in the knock-outs.

Fixtures (times GMT)

Saturday

Stade Francais v Bayonne, Toulouse v Lyon, Montauban v La Rochelle, Perpignan v Castres (all 1230), Montpellier v Pau (1915)

Sunday

Toulon v Bordeaux-Begles (1430), Clermont v Racing 92 (1905)

M.Sugiyama--JT