Inevitable debate has followed the awful injury to 18 year old Ezeala which I consider +ve.
The players union has questioned why such a young inexperienced team was fielded and reponse has shown that they weren't just 'thrown in' but had been prepared for Top14 and were part of that squad in training etc. Whether the extent of the young players was sensible is a moot point but regs that insist on schedule and exceptional injury list did apply.
A better point, imo, raised has been whether top pro rugby should be restricted to a higher age group.
The 'accident' in point supports the issue? Both Ezeala and Vakatawa have the same 'size' ie about 1,87 and 95 kilos ... however the physique difference was huge ... Vakatawa was all muscle and force in comparison (see Blindside's point above) . The real issue was Ezeala got it wrong in the tackle but he would've been bounced anyway ... Vakatawa was set on it ...it's part of his game speed and power.
'Could or should an 18 year old play Top Rugby?'
https://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Article/Pe ... ans/865392