SANDERSON ‘GUTTED’ AT TUILAGI KO

ALEX SPINK

MANU TUILAGI faces up to three months out with the hamstring injury he suffered on England duty.

Sale boss Alex Sanderson (below) told of his frustration after his prize asset was confirmed with a grade-three tear.

The injury was sustained scoring for England just six minutes into the win over South Africa.

Tuilagi, 30, started the autumn in prime shape but went into Saturday’s Test match with heavy strapping on his right leg.

“I’m frustrated, of course I’m frustrated,” Sanderson said. “But I can’t say it’s England’s fault because all the medical advice would suggest this is a one-off. “I’m really gutted, gutted for him and gutted because we were managing him well and then something like that happens.”

Tuilagi (above) will discover later this week whether he needs surgery. If he does he is looking at 12 weeks out and missing a large part of the Six Nations. Sanderson said a scan prior to the Boks game had revealed that Tuilagi had a “grade zero” hamstring tear. “You’d love someone to blame in this circumstance. You’d love to point the finger at someone and say, ‘It’s your fault’,” he added.

“But I’m sure England wouldn’t have pushed him through training if anything had shown up on that scan.”

Saracens are hopeful Owen Farrell will be back from ankle surgery towards the end of January. England open their Six Nations campaign in Scotland on February 5.

“We know he’ll get back as quickly as he can,” said boss Mark Mccall. “Hopefully that’s in time to play a game or two for us before the Six Nations.”