New Zealander Manu has 'no fear' of Toulouse before Top 14 semi

New Zealander Manu has 'no fear' of Toulouse before Top 14 semi / Photo: Gaizka IROZ - AFP/File

Antoine Dupont's Toulouse have reached the last four having finished the regular season at the top of the standings and scored a record 981 points across the campaign.

Manu's Racing booked their place in the semis with a 33-31 win over Pau in last Saturday's play-offs, in the former rugby league star's maiden campaign in the Top 14.

"When I came to France, the boys started talking about how good Toulouse are, they're awesome," Manu told AFP on Wednesday.

"There's respect for them as a team, what they've achieved over the years.

"You don't fear anyone, you don't fear any team," the 29-year-old added with a place in June 27's final on the line.

Manu arrived in the plush western suburbs of Paris after a season in Japan having made the switch after a trophy-laden spell with the Sydney Roosters.

Having started four straight games earlier in the calendar year, Manu has been used off the bench by head coach Patrice Collazo in their end of season run-in.

"Playing rugby league, the backs don't really come on as substitutes," Manu said.

"Then playing rugby, I started trying to get used to coming off the bench and learning that role of how you impact a game.

"I just try to adapt well and try to bring as much intensity as I can from starting or from coming on the last 20 minutes, the last 15," he added.

Manu's game time has been restricted due to the talent that Racing, six-time champions, have at their disposal

- 'Real threat' -

France's experienced midfielder Gael Fickou as well as Fiji pair Vinaya Habosi and Josua Tuisova compete with Manu for a place in the run-on team.

"They've all got different traits," Manu said.

"Naya and Josh are powerful ball runners. I just try to build a connection with them.

"I know that's their strength, so I want to use them up as much as I can.

"They're a real threat, those boys," he added.

Racing's hopes of booking a place in their first Top 14 final since have been handed a boost with Toulouse set to be without full-back Thomas Ramos and his sure-fire boot.

In the other semi, Montpellier, who finished second in the table face Stade Francais 24 hours later at the Stade Velodrome on the Mediterranean coast.

Montpellier, champions in 2022, are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, including May 21's Challenge Cup final triumph over Ulster.

Fixtures (both 1905GMT)

Friday

Toulouse v Racing 92

Saturday

Montpellier v Stade Francais

A.Ferraro--NZN