The latest powerhouse to emerge from the Tuilagi family, 150kg lock Posolo Tuilagi has been selected to take on Ireland tomorrow evening in the Six Nations. The Perpignan man has been added to the squad by France head coach Fabien Galthie, and replaces Romain Taofifenua on the bench.
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Taofifenua has been ruled out of the match due to an illness, which sees 19-year-old Tuilagi take the number 19 jersey amongst the substitutes. There was plenty of speculation for Tuilagi’s call-up, with Ireland set for a monstrous challenge should he come off the bench for his senior debut.
“We inform you that Romain Taofifenua is forfeited for the next match due to his state of health. Posolo Tuilagi will replace him on the match sheet,” the press release said.
Tuilagi has been making name for himself at USAP and with the France U20s. Despite the U20 Six Nations also commencing this weekend, Tuilagi has been fast-tracked into a first team call-up against Andy Farrell’s Grand Slam holders.
The Samoan born lock weighs in at a staggering 23.6 stone, and at 6ft 4″ tall, is set to bulldoze his way over the men from the Emerald Isle.
UPDATED: FRANCE TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND – 2024 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS
15. Thomas Ramos (Toulouse)
14. Damien Penaud (Bordeaux-Begles)
13. Gael Fickou (Racing 92)
12. Jonathan Danty (La Rochelle)
11. Yoram Moefana (Bordeaux-Begles)
10. Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Begles)
9. Maxime Lucu (Bordeaux-Begles)
1. Cyril Baille (Toulouse)
2. Peato Mauvaka (Toulouse)
3. Uini Atonio (La Rochelle)
4. Paul Gabrillagues (Stade Francais)
5. Paul Willemse (Montpellier)
6. Francois Cros (Toulouse)
7. Charles Ollivon (Toulon)
8. Gregory Alldritt (C) (La Rochelle)
REPLACEMENTS
16. Julien Marchand (Toulouse)
17. Reda Wardi (La Rochelle)
18. Dorian Aldegheri (Toulouse)
19. Posolo Tuilagi (Perpiganan)
20. Cameron Woki (Racing 92)
21. Paul Boudehent (La Rochelle)
22. Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92)
23. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Begles)
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Nigel Owen’s law changes for 2024:
#1. Less TMO
Owens wrote: “We should aim for good performances that facilitate good games. In my opinion, perfect has become the enemy of the good because people are striving for a standard that is unachievable. A frustrating over-reliance on the TMO is one result of this fear of getting things wrong.
“Pressure is being exerted on referees by spectators, social media users, coaches, players, performance reviewers and referee managers. That is a lot of people scrutinising everything. I think we need to take a step back and make sure we pick up the things that matter.”
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