Centre Slade to Man up

HENRY SLADE has warned Manu Tuilagi he faces a major Six Nations fight for the No.13 jersey.

The Exeter star is praying England coach Eddie Jones opts for flair and finesse ahead of sheer muscle and power.

Slade and Bath’s Jonathan Joseph have impressed at outside centre while Tuilagi has been troubled by a series of injuries and setbacks.

Tuilagi (below) is now banging on the door again for a recall and is favourite to win back his place for the opening clash with Italy next month.

Jones remains a huge Tuilagi fan despite the player’s problems and recently telling him to “get fit and lose weight”.

Slade finished the autumn by helping England defeat Samoa and has been outstanding for Exeter, who are top of the Premiership table.

Slade, 24, who plays for Chiefs at Newcastle today, said: “All I can do is maintain a very high standard of performance week after week and hope it is enough to get me more England chances.

“Competition for every position in the team is very strong and no more so than at centre.

“When you get one taste, you want another.

“Jonathan has played there a few times and Ben Te’o as well.

“You can only give it your best shot when you are thrown the jersey, and I’m hoping I get one in the Six Nations.”