Get ready for an exciting rugby debut! The highly anticipated arrival of Nepo Laulala, the renowned All Blacks prop, is finally here. After a long wait, Laulala, with his impressive 53 caps for New Zealand, is set to make his first appearance for Gloucester in their upcoming Gallagher Premiership derby against Bath.
Laulala, a towering 6'1" and 133kg powerhouse, has been a key member of the All Blacks pack for nearly a decade, featuring in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. His journey began with Canterbury and the Crusaders, followed by stints with the Chiefs and Blues. However, an Achilles rupture last season kept him sidelined, undergoing four months of rehab at Gloucester before his much-awaited debut.
But here's where it gets controversial... Laulala's move to Europe started with Toulouse after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but an injury cut his time in France short. Gloucester then stepped in, securing his signature mid-season after Toulouse decided to cut their losses. This transfer story has sparked debates among rugby fans, questioning the impact of injuries on player movements.
Head coach George Skivington had this to say about the signing: "Nepo is a 50-odd cap All Black, and that speaks volumes about the quality we've brought to the club. We acted swiftly to get him here and start his rehab, giving us an advantage over other teams..."
In other team news, Skivington has made three changes from the side that narrowly missed victory against Northampton. Matias Alemanno partners Cam Jordan in the second row, with Freddie Thomas, James Venter, and Josh Basham forming the back row. The backline remains unchanged, with Tomos Williams captaining at scrum-half and Ross Byrne at fly-half. Seb Atkinson and Will Joseph continue in midfield, while Ollie Thorley and Ben Loader patrol the wings. Charlie Atkinson retains the number 15 shirt.
Gloucester has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, with forwards Jack Innard, Archie McArthur, Afolabi Fasogbon, Hugh Bokenham, Jack Mann, and Harry Taylor providing cover. Josiah Edwards-Giraud and Caolan Englefield offer backline options.
The starting XV for Gloucester is as follows: Charlie Atkinson at fullback, Ben Loader and Will Joseph in the centers, Seb Atkinson (vc) on the wing, and Ollie Thorley on the other. Ross Byrne and Tomos Williams (c) form the half-back pairing. The front row consists of Ciaran Knight, Seb Blake, and Nepo Laulala. Cam Jordan and Matias Alemanno make up the second row, and the back row is Freddie Thomas, James Venter, and Josh Basham.
Replacements: Jack Innard, Archie McArthur, Afolabi Fasogbon, Hugh Bokenham, Jack Mann, Harry Taylor, Caolan Englefield, and Josiah Edwards-Giraud.
Get ready for an action-packed derby! Who do you think will come out on top? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
