Tuilagi’s bulk and ball skills tick all the boxes

ENGLANDcoach Eddie Jones simply could not wait to recall powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi.

The 24-year-old has played three matches for his club Leicester after 15 months out due to injury, doing little to suggest he is back to the wrecking-ball form that inspired England to a famous victory over New Zealand in 2012.

But he has been named in the 23-man squad to face Wales on Saturday in a game that will potentially decide the destiny of this year’s Six Nations title.

“He probably only has 20 minutes of Test rugby in him at the moment but that 20 minutes could be pretty good,” Jones said.

“I think 12 is his best position, he can carry the ball off the gain line, he’s got the ability to catch and pass,” the Australian said.

“He’s got all the attributes to be an outstanding 12. If you look at it on pure athleticism Manu is not far behind (New Zealand centre) Ma’a Nonu at all.”

Jones sees Samoan-born Tuilagi, who weighs just under 114kg, as his first-choice inside centre, a position that former England manager Stuart Lancaster never sorted out during his four years in charge.

Such was Lancaster’s confusion that he played rugby league convert Sam Burgess in last year’s vital World Cup group game against Wales after only a handful of union internationals. England lost 28-25 to the Welsh at Twickenham and a few weeks later Lancaster was sacked and Burgess announced he was returning to play rugby league in Australia.

Jones played Owen Farrell at inside centre in the first three Six Nations matches alongside George Ford at flyhalf, preferring Farrell’s kicking ability and game management skills to more attacking options. Farrell contributed well enough to three England wins but Jones wants more bulk in his backline to complement the forward power led by rampaging number eight Billy Vunipola.