PUMAS’ TEETH ARE SHARP
England will keep Aussies guessing over their plans for fit-again Tuilagi
GRANT GILCHRIST has warned Scotland they will be facing a radically improved Argentina side this weekend from the one they demolished in the summer.
The Edinburgh second row was part of the Scotland side’s record 44-15 win in Resistencia over the Pumas less than a week after coach Daniel Hourcade quit, but he says they will be a different proposition now new coach Mario Ledesma’s settled in.
“They’re a strong side and the difference from the team that we played in the EDDIE JONES has stepped up his mind games with Australia by including Manu Tuilagi in his squad for Saturday’s clash.
Tuilagi has not started a Test for England since 2014.
And as recently as Monday, Jones gave him next to no chance of facing the Wallabies.
For a fourth consecutive week the Red Rose boss claimed the Leicester centre was short of full fitness and thus “very doubtful”.
Yet last night Tuilagi remained in camp, after coming through two training sessions, as Jones released only teenage flanker Ted Hill and injured wing Chris Ashton.
And Jones will keep the Aussies guessing over his wrecking-ball midfielder until at least tomorrow lunchtime, when he is required to name his matchday 23. Tuilagi’s return is summer is drastic,” said Gilchrist (below). “They’ve improved a lot since then, as you’ve seen over the past few weeks. “They’re a very dangerous side and we’re going to have to be as good as we’ve played across the whole autumn series to win.” Gilchrist sat out last week’s loss to South Africa but is in line to return when Gregor Townsend names his match 23 today.
■ Gloucester have added to their South Africans with the signing of Blue Bulls hooker Jaco Visagie on a short-term contract as cover for Franco Marais and James Hanson. already playing on their minds, with scrum-half Will Genia admitting: “England will bring lots of physicality and that is a huge strength of theirs.
“Not only because of the forward pack they have, but also they have Ben Te’o – and Manu might be back.”
Jones (right) has stopped short of lobbing verbal grenades at rival head coach Michael Cheika – perhaps because telling Japan to “go to the temple and pray” did not turn out so well.
Anyway, the Aussies have enough on their plate dealing with a stomach bug sweeping through their camp.
Star duo Israel Folau and Bernard Foley, who both missed a day of training, are among 10 players and staff to have been affected.
The loss of Ashton at least provides the tourists with some relief given the chastening memory of his 90-metre dash to score in this fixture eight years ago.
The winger, who claimed his 20th England try against the All Blacks 11 days ago, damaged a calf muscle early in the defeat of Japan. “He’s been scanned and investigated, and unfortunately the injury means he will be out for a couple of weeks,” confirmed forwards coach Steve Borthwick. “Chris is a fantastic player who knows his way to the try-line.
“He’s been great around the squad the last few weeks and it’s very disappointing but it gives an opportunity to another player.”
Joe Cokanasiga, who bagged a try on his debut against Japan, is in contention with Jack Nowell to fill the vacant slot.
“Joe’s potential is massive,” said Borthwick. “Physically, he has great attributes and attitude-wise he wants to be the best he can be.”