The Rugby Paper

Solomona making case for England says Ugo

- NEALE HARVEY

UGO Monye has warned England’s regular wingers to sharpen their finishing or risk being beaten to a World Cup spot by former Rugby League star Denny Solomona.

Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson and Jonny May are vying to start England’s Six Nations clash with France, but Solomona has signalled his intent with four tries in four games for Sale, including two try-of-the-season contenders.

Kiwi Solomona, 23, qualifies for England on residentia­l grounds and Monye told The Rugby

Paper: “Eddie Jones will certainly have his eye on him and he’s made a big statement.

“People will make the comparison with Jason Robinson, who was fasttracke­d into the England team, and Solomona’s already made a statement.

“In terms of close-quarter finishing under pressure, League wingers are the best out there and we saw an incredible example of what Solomona can do at Northampto­n, where he had three people on his back but still scored onehanded.

“It’s not just about having the spatial awareness, but having the dexterity, flexibilit­y and finishing ability which is completely natural to these guys.”

Monye added: “Jack Nowell has to come back in and if Anthony Watson’s back to his best they would be my starting pair for the Six Nations, but if Solomona keeps putting in a decent shift for Sale he has to come into England’s reckoning.”

“Against Harlequins last week he made a onehanded pick-up for another fantastic try and he’s obviously settled into Union very well. As a winger your primary job is to finish and he’s doing that spectacula­rly in difficult winter conditions.”

Ugo Monye was speaking at the launch of Karma Group’s sponsorshi­p of the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament.

 ??  ?? Threat: Denny Solomona
Threat: Denny Solomona

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