Manu makes it a very happy return
TUILAGI TRY TOPS IMPRESSIVE WIN FOR SECOND-PLACE SHARKS
MANU Tuilagi reflected on ‘a different feeling’ of not playing for Leicester at Welford Road after he helped Sale beat his former club 40-31.
The England centre, who left the Tigers in July after rejecting a 25 per cent pay cut, made a try-scoring return as the Sharks regained second place in the Gallagher Premiership.
“I loved it,” Tuilagi said. “It has been my home for so many years, so I was excited to come back. I’ve still got the Leicester accent, and I don’t think that will ever change.
“I was playing against good mates of mine, and it was a different feeling not playing for Tigers, but it was just nice to get the win.”
Asked for his take on Tuilagi’s display, Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “I was really pleased. He wanted to play to exorcise a demon, and I think he did that by scoring a try.”
It was a trademark Tuilagi score, illustrating enviable power and strength as Leicester defenders were left scattered.
The Tuilagi try highlighted a dominant first 50 minutes by Sale, with fly-half AJ MacGinty and captain Jono Ross also claiming touchdowns, while MacGinty kicked three conversions and a penalty and Faf De Klerk dropped a goal.
Tuilagi was replaced midway through the second period just after a De Klerk penalty, and despite Leicester having their moments - Hanro Liebenberg, Jake Kerr and Freddie Steward scored tries and George Ford kicked 16 points - they were ultimately eclipsed.
Sale wing Denny Solomona claimed a bonus-point try 17 minutes from time, with MacGinty’s conversion giving him a 19-point haul. Diamond added: “We wanted a win and we got a win. Overall, I am happy. We got five points, and I have never got that here before, so it’s a good win for us. They are a different team now that Steve (Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick) has got hold of them. They fight for everything. It’s the hardest game we’ve had this season.
“It was a very physical encounter. There are a few broken bodies in there (changing room).”
Reflecting on the play-off race, Diamond added: “Exeter are a step above everybody, and they have proven that. Bristol got a bonus point as did Bath, and we’ve got to match them.
“If we slip up now, it is down to us, nobody else. It is a five-horse race, still.
“I see it going down to the wire. I think those who manage their squad best over the next week or so will get the ascendancy.”
The only downbeat notes on a dominant afternoon for Sale were injuries to England flanker Tom Curry, who went off on the stroke of half-time after failing a head injury assessment, and World Cup winner Lood de Jager who looks to have suffered a third shoulder injury having had reconstruction surgery on both joints in 2019.