Tuilagi stars again as Tigers find groove against Scarlets
MANU Tuilagi stated a clear case for inclusion in England’s Autumn internationals by starring in an impressive win for Leicester.
Tuilagi has been beset by injuries but was almost back to his best as he wreaked havoc in Scarlet ranks to ensure Tigers’ pack dominance was rewarded with a bonus point victory.
Leicester director of rugby Geordan Murphy said: “Manu had an amazing game and he is getting better every week. After tonight, he’s got a shot at being selected for England.
“He was obviously man of the match and his confidence grew after he scored his try and in the second half we got front foot ball which gave him the opportunity to get over the gain-line.”
It was an absorbing game which Tigers deserved to win. For much of the night the bursts of Tuilagi complimented a fired-up Leicester pack with Guy Thompson and Sione Kalamafoni at the forefront against the brilliant attacking skills of Gareth Davies and Steff Evans, who somehow managed to keep Scarlets in contention.
Apart from a wholehearted effort from Ken Owens, Davies and Evans had little support with international centres, Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes anonymous as their injury-ravaged pack sunk under the onslaught from their counterparts.
The absence of the injured Rob Evans, Jake Ball and James Davies proved too much for Scarlets.
Leicester skipper Tom Youngs was also a late withdrawal through illness and it was his replacement as captain, George Ford, who gave them an early lead with a penalty.
Tigers continued their impressive start with Tuilagi making a sharp break before Harry Wells forced his way over from close range.
Scarlets sprung to life when Leigh Halfpenny danced past a couple of defenders before David Bulbring burst through to send Davies over for the try.
Halfpenny converted but then a missed a penalty before his side looked to have taken the lead when Blade Thomson slid over the line but TMO replays showed the flanker had lost possession as he tried to ground the ball.
They picked up the next score when Halfpenny knocked over a simple penalty but Tigers’ pack rallied with a series of powerful drives, culminating in a try for Thompson before Halfpenny responded with another penalty to leave his side trailing 15-13 at halftime.
After the restart, Ford kicked a penalty before Kalamafoni crashed over and Scarlets looked in trouble – but they responded with two tries in quick succession to take the lead.
First Davies and Evans combined skilfully for Evans to score before Davies sliced through the defence to provide Thomson with an easy run-in.
Tigers weren’t to be denied as Tuilagi put them back in front by battering his way over before two further penalties from Ford and a try from Jonny May ensured the hosts picked up a vital five points.