If executives like Paul Gabrillagues or Romain Briatte shone, Parisian winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa also showed himself in a very good light. But not necessarily in the expected register…
He is undoubtedly not the most charismatic player in the Parisian squad. Nor the flashiest. In everyday life Peniasi Dakuwaqa cultivates discretion, like many Fijians. However, on the pitch, his best field of expression, the Parisian winger often gets people talking about him. Remember this coup last February on the synthetic turf of the Paris La Défense Arena. That day, in just 19 seconds, and over more than 100 meters, the Fijian did everything: a recovery in his own in-goal, a run across to restart his team, a little kick over the top perfectly measured for himself and a sprint which he has the secret to flattening. Amazing. Rugby France had just discovered a phenomenon detected in the “Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers” club in the Cook Islands, by former third row Christophe Moni, then in charge of the recruitment unit. Having played rugby league and sevens, it was his speed that stood out at the time. He is also regularly flashed at more than 38 km/h in matches and proves almost impossible to stop for opposing defenses when he has space.
Some wonder about the fact that he is not always a starter (only seven match sheets in 14 days of Top 14) as his offensive qualities are exceptional. Logical, obviously logical. “We have to manage the Jiff quota”said rugby director Laurent Labit some time ago.
Rich palette
Then, it must be emphasized that under the high balloons, its shortcomings are obvious. As for his defensive reading, it is not always clear either. Only here, Saturday evening against Northampton, not content with having sounded the wake-up call for his team by scoring his team's first try (23rd) while trailing by 21 points, Dakuwaqa showed a lot of progress, particularly in its defensive activity. On two occasions, he was the first in the “contest” zone to scratch two precious balls and force the referee to whistle a penalty in favor of the Parisians. A quality more often seen in his alter ego Lester Etien. And even in the aerial game, he showed greater ease. It was he, for example, who was the quickest under a candle from Zack Henry in the first period to deflect the ball towards Van der Mescht (35th). In all honesty, he was one of the best pink soldiers of the evening, without however achieving any brilliant coup of which he has the secret. It seems that the Fijian is expanding his playing range and improving a little more every day.
France
Rugby
