MAGIC MANU
RUGBY UNION Murphy: Tuilagi one of the best in world
Alex Spink
Leicester 49 Newcastle
MANU TUILAGI was back to his barnstorming best as Leicester’s big guns fired for new boss Geordan Murphy.
Ben Youngs had demanded Tigers’ England stars front up for the new gaffer and they delivered in style at Welford Road.
George Ford led the way with 29 points – scoring the first try after just 107 seconds – and England team-mate Jonny May weighed in with two of his own. But the moment of the match came when Tuilagi, finally free of injury after four lost years, took a pass from Kyle Eastmond on halfway and powered through Newcastle’s defence to score.
“It was fantastic to see Manu drop the hammer and finish the way he did,” said Murphy of his wrecking-ball centre, who had the 20,045 crowd on their feet.
Better
“When you get the ball in Manu’s hands, he’s in form and his head is on, he’s one of the best players in the world.
“He was really disappointed last week but we know he’ll get better because he’s a guy who needs to play rugby.”
Murphy revealed that 64 applications had been received on day one for the job he has on an interim basis following the sacking of Matt O’connor.
His players are clearly keen for him to get it full-time and threw the kitchen sink at Newcastle, wrapping up the four-try bonus point in just 25 minutes.
To their credit Falcons blasted back, matching Tigers’ five tries and leaving boss Dean Richards frustrated that they had given his old club such a head start.
Leicester’s defensive frailty showed just how big a job Murphy has on his hands once the initial emotion of his appointment dies down.
But Richards is convinced the Irishman is the right man to take forward England’s biggest club. “Geordan is a great choice, I really do,” he said.
“He has flair, ambition, understands the game incredibly well and is well-respected. I am sure the boys will back him.”
Murphy, who conducted the pre-match warm-up in his tracksuit, only wants what’s best for the club he loves.
“I don’t know if I am the right man for the job,” he said. “But I’m going to do the best job I can while I’m in charge.”
Tries: Ford, May 2, Thompstone, Tuilagi; Pens: Ford 6; Cons: Ford 3
Tries: Takulua, Goneva 2, Wilson, Mavinga; Cons: Flood 4