"Cheeky" - Manu Tuilagi rolls back the years with classy try for Sale Sharks

Rugby News
Sunday, 24 March 2024 at 15:38
screenshot 2024 03 24 at 153753
England centre Manu Tuilagi showcased his enduring prowess with a sublime try for Sale in their match against Bath this afternoon at The Rec.
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In a significant development, the powerful player has reached an agreement to leave Sharks at the conclusion of the season.
Tuilagi is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, having signed a two-year deal with Bayonne in the summer, effectively marking the end of his international tenure with England.
Having recently bid farewell to the international stage with a cameo appearance off the bench against France last Saturday, the 32-year-old is poised to render himself ineligible for future England selections by joining the ranks of the Top 14 side.
Amidst keen interest from multiple clubs, Tuilagi is reported to have visited Bayonne for a medical evaluation on Monday following the conclusion of the Six Nations tournament. Should he meet all the requisite medical criteria, he is anticipated to bolster the ranks of the Top 14 club, currently positioned ninth in the league standings.
Tuilagi's prospective employers will undoubtedly be buoyed by his performance today, which saw him execute a mesmerising display of skill as he evaded a defender with a spin and step before crossing the try line.

“A liability” – Telegraph rank England’s five worst 2024 Six Nations players

Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player's performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.
One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.

5 players who underperformed:

#5. Alex Coles - 6/10

Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.
With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.
They wrote: "A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches."
RUCK RATING: 6.25/10

#4. Will Stuart - 6/10

Stuart, a native of London, received his education at Farleigh School in Andover and later attended Radley College in Oxfordshire. His rugby journey commenced at the age of eight, where he honed his skills both at school and with Salisbury RFC.
Stuart's prowess on the field earned him representation for England at various age grade levels, notably contributing to the team's triumph over Ireland in the final of the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship. His ascent continued when he received his first call-up to the senior squad in 2020, debuting as a replacement for Kyle Sinckler during the opening round of the Six Nations. Subsequently, he earned his maiden start in November of the same year, featuring in England’s Autumn Nations Cup clash against Georgia.
In 2023, Stuart was a pivotal member of Steve Borthwick’s squad that journeyed to France for the Rugby World Cup, further solidifying his status as a promising talent in English rugby.
They wrote: "Made the bench spot his own but has never quite translated his Bath form to Tests. New Zealand could be make or break."
RUCK RATING: 5.2/10

#3. Danny Care - 6/10

Care's illustrious international journey commenced in 2008 with his England debut against New Zealand, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that has seen him amass over 100 caps for his country.
Originating from Leeds, Care initially ventured into rugby before transitioning to Harlequins in 2006, where he continued to flourish. His commitment to the sport has seen him represent England across nine levels, spanning from the grassroots through to the elite ranks, including a notable stint in the sevens code. Notably, he clinched a Commonwealth Games silver medal during his tenure in sevens, further adding to his diverse and distinguished rugby resume.
They wrote: "Murrayfield hinted that Care’s best days as an England starter might be over but his composure off the bench deserves plaudits."
RUCK RATING: 6.1/10

#2. Fraser Dingwall - 6/10

Dingwall's rugby journey began at Cambridge RUFC, where he first honed his skills before catching the eye of Northampton Saints at the age of 14. His talent and dedication led him to sign with the Senior Academy in 2017.
The pinnacle of Dingwall's professional career arrived when he made his debut in a Premiership fixture against Leicester Tigers in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
Internationally, Dingwall initially represented Scotland at the U18 level before switching allegiance to England U20s in 2018. His leadership qualities shone through when he was appointed captain of the England squad for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship.
Dingwall's progression continued as he earned his first call-up to the senior England squad in January 2020, signifying a notable achievement in his burgeoning career. Recently, head coach Steve Borthwick recognised Dingwall's capabilities once again, recalling him ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 campaign.
They wrote: "At times a liability, is it time for England to move on? Perhaps, but Daly’s aerial prowess is unquestionable."
RUCK RATING: 6.25/10

#1. Elliot Daly - 6/10

Daly's ascent to the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations was propelled by his standout performances in high-stakes encounters, coupled with impressive seasons at Wasps.
His debut as a starter for England saw him making a memorable impact with a remarkable left-footed penalty against South Africa in November 2016, followed by his maiden Test try against Fiji the following week.
Daly's journey continued to flourish as he earned selection for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, where he featured prominently, starting all three Tests on the left wing against the formidable All Blacks.
He further solidified his place in English rugby history as part of the squad that reached the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Daly's prowess on the field earned him a spot in the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa, where he showcased his skills in the first two Tests.
Having been part of the England squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Daly's talent was once again recognized as he was recalled by Steve Borthwick ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 campaign.
They wrote: "At times a liability, is it time for England to move on? Perhaps, but Daly’s aerial prowess is unquestionable."
RUCK RATING: 5.8/10
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