Elvis Seveali'i banned for two weeks
London Irish centre Elvis Seveali'i has been banned for two weeks following a bad tackle on Bath's Sam Vesty.
The Exiles player was singled out for the tackle, which was made during the match on 11 September. Seveali'i pleaded guilty and will now miss matches against Newcastle and Leeds.
"Elvis Seveali'i of London Irish
was suspended for two weeks for lifting Bath Rugby's Sam Vesty
and dropping or driving his head and/or upper body first into the ground whilst he was off his feet,"
said a Rugby Football Union statement.
The news will be a setback for London Irish because Seveali'i is key to the way the team plays going back and forth. There are a number of players that will contend to
take the Samoan's place in the team.
Time for changes
Seveali'i is an important creative player for London Irish. He is very quick and has an eye for making long passes. This is key in the way the club attacks and head coach
Toby Booth may have to re-think his forward tactics.
Seveali'i is key in getting stuck into the opposition. This is what has got him into trouble but London Irish needs a player that can disrupt the opposition. This is crucial
in matches against bigger sides.
The club does have cover in the central positions. Daniel Bowden and Seilala Mapusua will be able to cope while Seveali'i is not in the side. However, Booth could ask one
of the number eights at the club to cover at centre.
The player coming in to take Seveali'i's place in the side should have a beneficial effect on the rest of the team. This player will have an unexpected chance to play and
will therefore raise his performance levels. This can rub off on the rest of the team.
Betting advice
London Irish is able to cope for two weeks and the main shape of the team will not drastically change. The side is still a good bet in any game. Back the player coming
in to score because he will be very determined to have an impact.
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