Vakatawa guides Racing to opening Champions Cup win

PARIS: Racing 92 head coach Laurent Travers said Virimi Vakatawa was one of the world’s best players after the France centre set up two tries as last season’s runners-up held on to beat Connacht 26-22 on Sunday on the opening weekend of the European Champions Cup.

Auckland-born Vakatawa continued his good international form, where he scored twice in les Bleus’ autumn fixtures, as he provided for former Australia full-back Kurtley Beale and youngster Donovan Taofifenua in the first half.

“He’s not among the best players in the world by accident. He’s a player who can make a difference and create space for others,” Travers said.

“Today it was him, he had the chances and can still do more. We’re very happy to have him in the team as he brings this danger.”

Travers made eight changes from last Saturday’s win at Bordeaux-Begles with Scotland fly-half Finn Russell making his return from a groin injury suffered on Test duty in lateOctober

The Irish province welcomed the likes of Kieran Marmion and Finlay Bealham back from the Ireland squad but centre Bundee Aki was named on the bench.

Travers’ men led 14-3 after a quarter of the game as GeorgesHenri Colombe crashed over before Vakatawa beat three defenders to set-up Beale for a stroll-in.

Vakatawa was the creator again after 25 minutes as 20year-old winger Taofifenua acrobatically touched down with his whole body in the air for a seventh try of the season.

Matt Healy’s impressive effort on the stroke of half-time, after catching Jack Carty’s welljudged cross-kick, made it 19-8 at the break.

Vakatawa, who has Fijian heritage, was denied just reward for his work earlier in the game as referee Wayne Barnes spotted a knock-on before the midfielder went over 10 minutes after the interval.

Ex-New Zealand lock Dominic Bird claimed the bonus point shortly after with Racing’s fourth try.

Alex Wootton and Conor Oliver closed the gap in the final quarter but the hosts claimed the victory despite the late pressure.

Jonny Gray and Stuart Hogg scored against their former side as holders Exeter Chiefs overcame Glasgow Warriors 420.

No. 8 Sam Simmonds, captain Jack Yeandle, winger Olly Woodburn and Jonny Hill also crossed as Chiefs’ head coach Rob Baxter featured 16 players from October’s final victory over Racing. - AFP