England look to Manu for backup
- Tom Sansom
- Jan 30, 2019
- 2 min read
Eddie Jones faces squad reshuffle for Dublin clash
England head coach Eddie Jones has a few difficult decisions to make before his teams opening game in the Guinness Six Nations. England travel to Dublin to face Ireland, yet are without Ben Te’o and Brad Shields.
Te’o and Shields have both reportedly suffered side strains during pre-competition training sessions and are both ruled out of Saturday’s game. The former rugby league star’s absence does, however, make room in the squad for an exciting alternative, as Manu Tuilangi is set to make his return to the white shirt, after he impressed in England’s win over Australia in the 2018 Autumn Internationals, and could make his first test start since England faced New Zealand in June 2014.
The Samoan born centre is always a threat to any side he plays against, as his 18 stone build is coupled with explosive pace, which gives England an option to bring the fight direct to Ireland. England’s assistant coach Neal Hatley said how ““Manu’s been looking brilliant,” “He’s trained exceptionally well in the midfield for us and he’s in a really good space. He’s a physical player and guys like playing alongside blokes like that. He definitely has a positive effect … he brings a different element to how the team feels and plays.”[1]
The Leicester Tigers man is supposedly being given the starting position over Exeter Chief’s Henry Slade, which can be seen as an indicator as to how England will look to play more aggressive and physical rugby, to wear down the disciplined and drilled Irish defence. Which plays to the strengths of the 27-year-old.
Kiwi-born Brad Shields will most probably be left out the squad, as his side strain keeps him side-lined. This opens up a vacancy in the England back row, and there is great debate as to who Eddie Jones should choose to step up and fill in for the Wasp’s player.
Mark Wilson of Newcastle Falcons and youngster Tom Curry are set to partner up with Billy Vunipola in the back row, and act as the first line of defence against a strong Irish attack.
Kick off on Saturday is at 4:45pm, in Dublin’s Aviva stadium.
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