Mauvaka ‘can’t wait’ for Toulouse to start defence of Champions Cup

PARIS: Toulouse hooker Peato Mauvaka ended the November internationals on a high having started all three of France´s victories to cement his place as his country´s first-choice number two.

On Sunday, he returns to action with his club as the French giants begin the defence of their Champions Cup title, a sixth continental crown won last May with a win over Leinster in London. New Caledonia-born Mauvaka was at the core of Les Bleus´ unbeaten series, the only Six Nations side to win all of their games during the month.

During the successes over Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, the 27-year-old also spent some time covering in the back-row. “It allowed me to work on my physicality and I tried to bring all my energy and good spirit onto the field,” he told AFP.

“I really enjoyed it. I now want to do the same thing for the club,” he added. The front-rower, who joined Toulouse aged 15, was rested for last Saturday´s Top 14 victory at Racing 92 due to an elbow strain.

Olympic gold medallist Antoine Dupont was also given time off to prepare to face Ulster this Sunday. “We can´t wait to be back in the competition,” Mauvaka said. “It´s always a level above the Top 14, we love these matches. “We know people expect something from us having won last season,” he added. Last season´s runners-up Leinster start their bid to reach the Cardiff final, in the competition´s 30th campaign, by heading to Bristol.

New Zealand centre Jordie Barrett is set for his debut for the Irish province. Barrett has joined the four-time winners on a six-month deal, having ended his All Blacks season with defeat to France three weeks ago.

“Normally at this time of the year, I´m on a plane heading home to enjoy some time off in the summer but my body´s feeling great,” Barrett told Leinster´s website this week. “I´m excited. It can´t come quick enough,” he added.