Nakarawa’s superb score in the away win over ASM Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin during the quarter-finals enabled him to eclipse the tries of James Ryan and Andrew Conway in a competition taking in both quarter-final and semi-final matches.

“From my point of view, Nakarawa’s try is the most beautiful because it illustrates two important aspects,” explains Pires. “First, the long-distance phase shows the desire and support capabilities of Racing, as six players touch the ball during the phase from Marc Andreu launching the attack, Maxime Machenaud passing on the ball, to the finishing of Nakarawa with speed present throughout. On the other hand, it highlights the evolution of Racing players’ game, often criticised for their game that is too direct, and who can develop an ambitious and instinctive game when the situation requires it.”