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'Don't talk to us about player safety': Manu Tuilagi's Top 14 debut controversy

(Source/Canal+)

England international Manu Tuilagi’s debut for Bayonne in the Top 14 has caused a stir after a shot on La Rochelle’s Gregory Alldritt caused the loose forward to have a go at the ref officials.

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The 33-year-old England centre made his delayed debut for new club and a fast start had Bayonne up 20-0 early. In the 29th minute Tuilagi crossed paths with Alldritt, launching into the loose forward.

The French international was not happy with the tackle and asked the officials to review what appeared to be head-on-head contact, however the response from referee was not what Alldritt wanted to hear.

Referee Luc Ramos told his TMO that “the player is complaining” about the tackle, before responding to Alldritt that “the tackle is legal, it’s your head that tilts forward.”

“It’s not legal. Don’t talk to us about player safety anymore,” Alldritt responded.

Bayonne went on to win comfortably by 37-7 over the two-time European champions however if the tackle had been judged differently, it could have been a contest.

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Nickers 34 minutes ago
The All Blacks strongest midfield partnership for the next World Cup is already clear

Under Schmidt Jordie was a constant attacking threat. I don’t think he has been asked to play that role over the past couple of years. He generally receives the ball while we are on the back foot and there are very few options available, and where running in particular is the worst option.

Not so much splitting the field but having lots of options and lots for the defence to think about. If the 9 can go to the 10 who is up flat, who in turn has a pod with another back in it say Jordan in the boot, and another player like Jordie/BB/Dmac out the back coming into the line with players inside and outside them (could be Jordan) it’ a very dynamic situation with 3 options, 2 of which could be kick/long pass as well as run. Having that final player out the back as a strong kicker and distributor/decision maker gives you so many opportunities. As good as Jordan is, he is not a playmaker the way those other guys are. His strength is running and timing, so when he has the ball that is the main thing the defence has to worry about, and the main way he will hurt you. Only one 10 on the field let’s the defence know the 9 only really has one option, 2 at best. Leaving players like Jordan to roam to where he thinks there is space and having two or three players that can find him, rather than him being involved in the spine makes the backline far more potent.



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