Cédric Chasseur / Photo credit: DAN MULLAN / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
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3:23 p.m., February 1, 2024
Ill since yesterday, Lyon second row Romain Taofifenua had to withdraw from facing Ireland on Friday in Marseille, opening the VI Nations tournament. The young player from Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi (19 years old, 0 selection), called to Marseille the day before as a precaution, therefore replaces Taofifenua on the match sheet.
It’s one more glitch that Fabien Galthié would have done well without. Already deprived of several elements due to injury, such as the second lines Thibaut Flament and Emmanuel Meafou, or the third line Anthony Jelonch, the coach of the XV of France must face a new hitch, less than 48 hours from facing the Ireland, opening the VI Nations Tournament.
A player who impresses
Ill since Wednesday, second row Romain Taofifenua is forced to withdraw from the opening match on Friday at the Stade Vélodrome. To replace him, Fabien Galthié decided to recall Perpignan second row Posolo Tuilagi. Released on Tuesday by the Blues staff, the 19-year-old player of Samoan origin joined Marseille, where the French XV arrived on Wednesday at the end of the day. “Romain Taofifenua has been unwell since (Wednesday). As a result, Fabien Galthié spoke with Franck Azéma (manager of Perpignan, Editor’s note): they decided to integrate Posolo Tuilagi within the France group”, the FFR had initially indicated in a communicated before announcing the package of “Tao” “due to his state of health.
Simple “additional player” for the start of preparation last week, he had already impressed the management of the French team, who had decided this week to include him in the group of 34 called to prepare the meeting against ‘Ireland. Facing the second world nation, defending champion of this VI Nations Tournament, the colossal Tuilagi (1.92 m for 145 kg), son of former Samoan international Henry Tuilagi and nephew of the center of the XV of the Rose Manu Tuilagi , could therefore experience his first selection with the Blues if he comes into play.
At 19 years old, the young second line from Usap presents a rare profile in France due to his size and his power. Beaten in mid-October by the Springboks (29-28), future world champions, the French XV returns to the field this Friday against Ireland, who won the Grand Slam last year, at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament nations 2024.