COK OF THE WALK
May tips big Joe to rule the world
JONNY MAY reckons that Joe Cokanasiga has “the world at his feet” and the tools necessary to become a great.
May is on the hottest scoring streak in Test rugby, with 12 tries in 12 games, and is bookies’ favourite to bag the opener today against Italy.
On his last appearance for England at Twickenham a month ago he ran rings round France, scoring a firsthalf hat-trick.
Yet ahead of the Italian job all the talk is of fellow wing Cokanasiga, whose selection by Eddie Jones makes this the heaviest and most powerful back division ever sent into action by the Red Rose brigade.
“Joe is a huge bloke,” said May. “Strong, very gifted athletically and very, very fast. He really does have the world at his feet.
“He has so much raw athletic ability which, for a winger, is huge. He’s just got to build his smartness and game understanding and he is continuing to do that.”
In the autumn the 19 stone Bath star, still only 21, became the first England player for four years to score tries in each of his first two Tests.
This evening brings his first Six Nations start and the prospect of him alongside Manu Tuilagi and Ben Te’o is likely to have troubled the Italians in their sleep.
“It’s probably the back line Eddie’s been dreaming of,” admitted Azzurri boss Conor O’Shea.
“They are not exactly small units,” agreed England fullback Elliot Daly. “Joe brings that presence.
“He can beat people and go over the top of them.
“To have someone like him, and Jonny on the other wing who you can whip the ball to – one of the quickest wingers in the world – is a good balance.”
May has been passed fit to play after colliding with Tuilagi during England’s defeat by Wales and failing a concussion test in almost comical fashion.
“With all the Head Injury Assessments I’ve done in the past there is a list of words,” revealed the Leicester ace. “Like candle, paper, sugar, wagon, finger, lemon.
“I was reeling off words from previous tests that I remembered to try and get back out there quickly!
“The tester was looking at me a bit funny. I think I was miles off.”
Despite England picking up two try bonus points more than Warren Gatland’s unbeaten side, this is Wales’ championship to lose.
All Jones’ players can do is put themselves in pole position to cash in if Wales slip-up against either Scotland or Ireland.
England struggled to ugly wins over Italy and Japan the last two times minnows came to Twickenham.
Jones is banking on big making for beautiful today.