Welcome return of the wrecking ball

IT WAS like being transported back to 2012. In the 23rd minute of Leicester’s 49-33 win over Newcastle, Welford Road savoured the sight of vintage Manu Tuilagi. From a clever, late pass by Kyle Eastmond, the wrecking ball swung into action. The blast through flailing arms, past beaten defenders, a swerve into space, acceleration and a smile as a try duly followed. It was the explosive havoc-wreaking which helped Tuilagi make his name as a

centre before injury intervened. Tuilagi unleashed is just what Leicester need — and England too. If he can break his personal cycle of boom and bust they should build the back line around him.