DStv Channel 403 Saturday, 21 December 2024

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. 

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