Andy Tuilagi goes to Gwent

[Cofi]

Here's the link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15934117.stm

Dragons' fans happy about this?

 

[TRF_Cymro]

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...agons-set-to-unveil-Tuilagi&highlight=Tuilagi

Wow taken ages to confirm.

 

[dullonien]

Excellent I think. Just the kind of player they needed, a blutal ball carier. Faletau should and will remain first choice, but it gives them some depth so that he and Lydiate aren't relied on so much.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

He's a centre. Henry Tuilagi is a No. 8.

A centre that probably won't fit into their backline. The halfbacks are established and won't be shifted, and with him, Adam Hughes, Ashley Smith and Tom Riley competing for the two centre spots, (Two of which I could see a potential internationals) and then if you shift Hughes or Tuilagi outwards, they're competeing with Aled Brew, Chavanga and Will Harries (Although he's still injured, I'm a big fan of his) with Harries, Martyn Thomas and Steffan Jones competeing for the 15 shirt. Strength in depth is great, but (Besides Brew, who's simply got to play for them) all of the others can be chopped and changed with relative ease, as there's not too great a class difference. (Aside from Harries on top form)

 

[TRF_Olyy]

He's.......not great.

Plays like he has the strength of Alesana but, well..., doesn't.

Can't/doesn't pass, and struggles to hold on to the ball in contact (and then when he does, he doesn't release on the floor and gives away a penalty) - average on defence, and not very quick

Can't help but feel he wouldn't have gotten as far as he has if his surname was Tuilagi

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

That was the impression I always got of him playing for Sale, but I think having a Samoan monster to come off the bench (If I'm not mistake he's even bigger than Alesana) could be quite nice. Make some hits, break some bones, go home. It's a bums-on-seats signing rather than anything other. (Does anybody remember his tackle on Hook two years ago? Boom!)

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If I'm not mistake he's even bigger than Alesana

A bit shorter and 3 stone lighter - think he's the smallest of the Tuilagi brothers (that are pro players anyway)

 

[dullonien]

Oops, my mistake. Getting my Tuilagi's mixed up.

 

[dullonien]

Oops, my mistake. Getting my Tuilagi's mixed up.

Well he's on for the Dragons now, so let's see how he does. First touch, did the sensible thing and passed the ball atleast.

 

[Cofi]

Well he's on for the Dragons now, so let's see how he does. First touch, did the sensible thing and passed the ball atleast.

Didn't he also break through, passed nicely on the inside, a play that almost ended in a try. If he's the smallest of the Tuilagi brothers the others must be huge cos this guy's pretty big!