France and Ireland will face off in the opening round of the Six Nations tomorrow night, with many already labelling the fixture as a potential championship decider.
These two sides have certainly been the strongest in the competition in recent seasons, a trend most onlookers would expect to continue in 2024 despite the fact that they are both coming off a disappointing World Cup.
Of course, the two teams will be without a number of familiar faces.
Andy Farrell's side will take their first steps in the post-Sexton era, with the likes of Mack Hansen and Garry Ringrose also missing out due to injury. For the French, Antoine Dupont will miss the tournament as he prepares for this summer's Olympics, with half-back partner Romain Ntamack also absent with an injury.
As well as that, another injury in the French has resulted in a call-up for one of the most intriguing young prospects in the sport at the moment.
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France add teenage sensation to squad for Six Nations opener
Romain Taofifenua, who had been named on the France bench for tomorrow's Six Nations clash against Ireland, has now been ruled out of the game due to injury.
He has been replaced in the squad by 19-year old Posolo Tuilagi, who is a nephew of England centre Manu Tuilagi. He now looks set to earn his first test cap against Andy Farrell's side.
Despite still being a teenager, the lock is one of the most physically imposing players in world rugby. He weighs in at an incredible 149kg, or 23-and-a-half stone in old money.
Un champion du monde U20 en renfort 💪
Posolo Tuilagi remplace sur le banc Romain Taofifenua (forfait) pour le match d’ouverture (vendredi, 21h) 🔄#SixNationsRugby | #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/xpMHvM5iKK— Six Nations (FR) (@SixNations_FR) February 1, 2024
For comparison, there was only one player heavier than that at last year's Rugby World Cup, with that being Tonga prop Ben Tameifuna.
Tuilagi, who plays his club rugby with Perpignan, was one of the stars of the France U20 side that won the World Cup at that age group in 2023. Despite being eligible for the side once again in 2024, he is set to make the step up to senior level.
His father Henry starred for the likes of Sale and Perpignan in the 2000s, also earning ten caps for Samoa. His son qualifies to play for France on the residency rule, having moved to the country when his father joined the French club in 2007.
Considering his size, you would expect that Posolo Tuilagi should have little trouble adjusting to the physical demands of the Six Nations. However, Irish rugby fans will certainly be hoping that it takes him a couple of games to find his feet at that level.
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