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'Don't talk to us about player safety': Manu Tuilagi's Top 14 debut controversy
By Ben Smith
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.
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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Latest Comments
Really interesting article.Canterbury and Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah, who debuted for the Crusaders before Canterbury , he is going places. Fellow Canterbury lock, who has debuted for the Crusaders in Europe, is big and athletic. His father Graham played in the NPC winning Canterbury side of 1997. His Uncle is former AB Chris Jack. Makos and Crusader no 8 Fletcher Anderson is developing fast with more experience. First-five James White did play well for Canterbury in the loss to Wellington. No harm in first-fives who can play fullback.
Go to commentsYep NZ national u85 team is touring there atm I think (or just has).
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