Leicester Fainga’anuku, the mover (winger or center, Toulon)
On the banks of the harbor, a real liner arrives. Leicester Fainga’anuku (24 years old, 1m89, 107 kg) arrived in Toulon a few days ago from New Zealand. Author of 5 tries with the All Blacks during the last World Cup, the former Crusaders player has given new impetus to his (young) career. Prepare your shoulders, it’s going to heat up!
Henry Arundell, the scoring machine (Winger or full-back, Racing 92)
First match, three tries. The 21-year-old struck hard from the start with the Ciel et Blanc against Toulon. Also author of a quintuple with England against Chile, Arundell is one of the great architects of Racing 92’s good start to the season. Speedy, endowed with disconcerting support and above all extremely fast, the former winger or full-back of London Irish will taste the Champions Cup for the first time in their young career. If he arrives with the desire to win a Top 14 title, he could also allow his new club to take a step forward in the Champions Cup.
Theo McFarland, the octopus (Second or third row, Saracens)
Some discovered it during the last World Cup with Samoa. Others, more diligent, follow this player in the Premiership (English championship) with particular attention. This solid second or third line (1m98, 115 kg) from basketball has become essential with Saracens. Mobile, very skilled and powerful, McFarland is an attractive and formidable player, with and without the ball.
Virimi Vakatawa, le magicien (Centre, Bristol)
His departure had left many questions regarding the center position in the France team. At only 30 years old, the French international (32 caps) had to end his career due to a heart anomaly. Although banned from playing in France, the player of Fijian origin found a base in Bristol. After having made a good debut with the “Bears”, the magician still has to find the rhythm. But once launched, it could (again) do damage.
Canan Moodie, dynamite (Winger or center, Bulls)
He only played two small World Cup matches against Tonga and Romania. But at just 21 years old, Moodie took part in the Springboks’ coronation in France. Equally comfortable at center as on the wing, the Bulls player was sparkling against the All Blacks in August. And presents himself as one of the main offensive weapons of his team as this new edition of the Champions Cup approaches.
Damian Penaud, the fox of the goal (Winger, Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
Damian Penaud no longer needs to be introduced. “A joker” outside, the new UBB winger doesn’t joke around on the pitch. Already a scorer of 35 tries in 48 selections (three tries from Serge Blanco’s record), the native of Brive has more than succeeded in his debut with the Gironde club. As proof, Penaud scored seven tries in just four matches (top scorer in the Top 14). His performance is now expected on the continental scene.
Jack Nowell, European experience (Winger or center, La Rochelle)
La Rochelle hit hard on the transfer market last offseason. Undermined by injuries and no longer in the plans of the English selectors, Jack Nowell came to relaunch on the shores of the Atlantic. But for the moment, and despite his 8 starts in 8 matches played, the center or winger has not (yet) become essential within the La Rochelle attack. With a title gleaned in 2020 with Exeter, the English international with 44 caps will bring his experience at a very high level. To Nowell for not giving gifts…
Finn Russell, the conductor (Flyhalf, Bath)
The Scotsman is capable of anything… or nothing. And that’s probably why we love it so much. A genius for one day, uninspired for another, the former Racing 92 player will officiate in a Bath team that has been ill for several seasons. But since his arrival, the club from the southwest of England has been doing better and is in second place in the championship. There is no doubt that Russell will want to show himself on the European scene in his new colors.
Semi Radradra, the wrecking ball (Winger or center, Lyon)
His association with Josua Tuisova could have hurt a lot. But it will never see the light of day, the fault of the departure of the overpowering Tuisova to Racing 92. Arriving a few days ago in Lyon, Radradra wants to find a place in the Lyon attack. In the center ? On the wing? The Fijian international nonetheless remains a player capable of breaking the deadlock in a race with ball in hand. The ex-Toulon and UBB player will try to bring all his power to the Lyon club, winner of the Challenge Cup last year.
