With several absences at the center position, the Catalan staff will have to find who will be associated with captain Jerónimo de la Fuente this Saturday (4:30 p.m.) against Lyon.
Alivereti Duguivalu (calf injury) will not play again before the end of November, Apisai Naqalevu (excluded at Bordeaux) should be suspended for several weeks, Job Poulet (ruptured finger tendon) is still in the infirmary for three months… The post of 13 is lacking in the USAP. Against Lyon (this Saturday 4:30 p.m.), Jerónimo de la Fuente will, it is certain, have a new teammate at his side to start the match. But who? Two possibilities emerge, although another would be worth seeing.
Eneriko Buliruarua, the logical continuation
For the moment, Eneriko Buliruarua is struggling to stand out. However, the Fijian had two good preparation matches this summer with two tries against Toulon and Toulouse. But in Top 14, it’s not yet that. A discreet first start at Castres, and not really convincing entries against Bayonne, Montpellier and Pau. Except in Bordeaux last Saturday where the Fijian international (3 caps) scored his first try in an official match with the USAP, ideally served in the meantime by Antoine Aucagne. In addition, his powerful profile (1.86 m, 96 kg) is close to that of Duguivalu and the idea of the game plan of David Marty and Franck Azéma. If his last start in the Top 14 in this second center position dates back to November 26, 2022, it is in 13 that Buliruarua has played the most since his arrival at USAP. He is the most credible candidate for tenure alongside captain Jerónimo de la Fuente.
Jean-Pascal Barraque, the surprise?
Olympic rugby sevens champion last July, Jean-Pascal Barraque replayed a rugby union match last Saturday in Bordeaux. Six months later. Well, against the Bordeaux washing machine and the duo Moefana-Depoortère then Moefana-Penaud, it was obviously complicated to show off. Especially when playing for 35 minutes shorthanded. But with the increase in injuries at the center and 10 positions, the staff made him understand that they were counting on him. He was in the squad for the Clermont reception, before taking a starting place for the trip to Gironde. And since the start of the week, he has been one of the options for this position of 13, to continue, this time next to the Argentine captain. But facing a pair of Lyon centers which could be composed of Semi Radradra (1.88 m, 105 kg), Josiah Maraku (1.80 m, 95 kg) or Alfred Parisien (1.82 m, 93 kg), the The power asset of the Catalan side could be privileged. And his profile (1.82 m, 86 kg) is perhaps not the most suitable. But Jean-Pascal Barraque could still have a utility back* role on the bench.
David Veredamu, la grosse côte
Tavite Veredamu has power in spades. He has never started in this position since his arrival at Perpignan, apart from once in a friendly in October 2023 against Treviso, but that was in 12. Seeing Veredamu wear number 13 against Lyon is, to this day, not really considered . At least, not clearly displayed. But his offensive, and even defensive, qualities would be interesting to see in this position. Especially with players like Lucas Dubois and Jefferson-Lee Joseph (touched in the thigh, uncertain for Saturday) on the wings, where things can go very quickly. With all the injuries at this 13 position, this possibility may finally seem credible. In addition, he has already played there with LOU. In any case, it is a solution which is appreciated by certain followers of the blood and gold club. Because everyone knows the qualities of the 35-year-old player, voted best player of last season by L’Indépendant, he who scored 12 tries in 22 matches. It’s up to the staff to make their choice!
* Player who can play in all positions in the backline.
