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Since switching from Mont-de-Marsan in the summer Matanavou has turned into something of a revelation at Toulouse with three tries in two games in the Heineken Cup and six in the Top 14 to lead the way in that competition.
A former sevens specialist who represented the Flying Fijians on the 2008 IRB World Series, he played for Mont-de-Marsan in the Top 14 in 2008/09. They were relegated that season, but in 2010/11 he emerged as the leading try scorer in ProD2 with 19 in 28 outings.
That earned him a handful of offers to return to the top flight this season and he eventually chose Toulouse. It has been a good choice for both parties so far.
"I had a contact from Clermont last summer but I like the way Toulouse play their rugby," he said. "They are a really professional club and they work hard.
"I am surrounded by international players and so far this season I am the top try scorer in the Championship and have scored three tries in the Heineken Cup. Things are going well for me and the team.
"We knew it was going to be hard before we went to Harlequins. They had won 14 games in a row and the coach said that if we lost the game it would make it difficult for us in the Pool.
"So, we are happy with the win and we do have a lot of speed out wide in our side with Vincent Clerc on one wing and Maxime Medard at full back.
"They asked me to do it for the team and I was happy to do it for them and the supporters back home. We have got another tough game next week, but at least we will be at home.
Matanavou's cousin, Bobo, was in the Biarritz Olympique team that lost to Munster in the 2006 Heineken Cup final in Cardiff, when he scored a try, but helped his side beat Toulouse in the French Championship final that same season.
And the only Fijian player to earn a Heineken Cup winners' medal so far is Leinster full back and wing Isa Nacewa in 2009 and 2011.
