ENGLAND CROCKY HORROR SHOW FOR JONES

Northampton 14 Sale 34

ENGLAND were dealt a potentially-huge double blow ahead of their autumn Tests after Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes were both hurt in last night’s Premiership clash.

Tuilagi (left) was helped off with damage to his left Achilles after Lawes had departed with a right ankle problem in the opening 12 minutes.

Eddie Jones, due to name a training squad on Monday, faces an anxious wait to discover the severity of the injuries but the initial prognosis for Tuilagi was concerning.

“I don’t think it’s clever; I don’t think it’s the best,” said Sale le director of rugby Steve Diamond. Lawes (right), who won his 85th cap against Wales, was on crutches afterwards.

“It looks pretty ginger to o me,” said Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd. “I wouldn’t be overly hopeful of a fast return.” England face the Barbarians at Twickenham on October 24 before attempting to win the delayed Six Nations Championship against Italy in Rome the following weekend. Jones’ side then take part in the four-week Autumn Nations Cup tournament. Tuilagi’s likely absence will be a major blow to Sale’s Premiership aspirations after they stayed on course for a top-four finish last night. The victory was one thing but the bonus point was just as important ahead of Sunday’s final round of matches and it was duly secured just before half-time with a try from Simon Hammersley. By then Luke James had crossed twice in between a penalty try.

Ahsee Tuala and Alex Mitchell went over for them either side of half-time but Rohan Janse van Rensburg sealed victory with 11 minutes left and Valery Morozov added Sale’s sixth try at the death.

N’HAMPTON – Tries: Tuala, Mitchell. Cons: Biggar (2). SALE – Tries: L James (2), penalty try, Hammersley, Van Rensburg, Morozov. Con: R du Preez.