Manu Tuilagi has Stuart Lancaster’s faith – Rugby News Update
Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England believes that Manu Tuilagi, the 21-year-old Leicester Tigers centre will be the key to victory over South Africa, this Saturday, June 16.
England is currently on tour in South Africa, where they are playing the Springboks in a three-match test series, along with playing two other midweek games. Having lost the first test last week at Durban, England will want to win at Ellis Park, where the
Springboks have lost only once in 10 years to keep the series alive.
Lancaster is tipping Tuilagi to shine, as he moves inside from the outside centre into the number 12 position.
"Clearly he's got a different role to play, both defensively and in attack," Lancaster said. "At 13 we wanted to get him across the gainline but didn't quite achieve that last week, I felt.”
Lancaster’s hand has also been forced by the injuries to Brad Barritt, who is being replaced by Jonathan Joseph, and he is set to start his first international game. The task before Tuilagi is different from his usual position, and it requires different
reading of the game in attack and defence. The England coaching staff has worked with him throughout the week, to make sure he understands his responsibilities well.
However, this is one of the five changes that the head coach has made. In the absence of injured Mike Brown, Ben Foden moves into the fullback position. Owen Farrell has been dropped in favour of Toby Flood, while Jonathan Joseph replaces the injured Brad
Barritt, who had a minor eye op after the first test loss. Also, David Strettle replaces Ben Foden on the left wing.
Speaking about Tuilagi, Lancaster said, "Manu has some experience at 12. He hasn't played all of his rugby there by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly we're confident in the work we've done and his understanding of the game."
He further added, "…we're comfortable with what Manu's rugby pedigree gives him and what he can offer the team."
Tuilagi is new in the England setup, having made his debut against Wales at Twickenham, on August 6, 2011. So far he has played 11 matches for his country, starting all of them.
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