Setariki Tuicuvu retained in the RCT starting XV for the semi-final against Bordeaux

Fierce in defense, reliable under high balls and still as sharp with the ball in hand, Setariki Tuicuvu is well and truly back! Starting against Castres in the play-off, mainly because his rivals were unavailable (Villière concussion and Dréan for personal reasons), the Fijian international (29 years old, 11 caps) did absolutely everything right. To the point, while Gabin Villière was back in the squad, of being kept in the starting XV by Pierre Mignoni for the semi-final against Bordeaux (Saturday at 9:05 p.m.).

After four complicated months, during which "Seta" seemed to have struggled to return from his hand injury, the Fijian is finally back at his best. And against Bordeaux's attacking players (Penaud, Buros, Jalibert, Moefana, and Depoortère), Setariki Tuicuvu will be invaluable to the Var team's well-balanced squad. Gabin Villière, back from injury, will start from the bench, and Ma'a Nonu is not on the team sheet.

Ivaldi out, Damond on the bench

Otherwise, Pierre Mignoni played a classic game a week after the victory against Castres. The only notable change: Mickaël Ivaldi, who suffered a crutch injury, will be unable to maintain his position. On the bench, he is replaced by the young Pierre Damond. At 21, the young hooker will only be making his fourth professional appearance. A real challenge for the Saint-Tropez native, who recently extended his contract with RCT until 2027.