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'Tougher than that win against New Zealand'

By Online Editors
Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade celebrate as England secure a valuable victory in Dublin. (Getty Images)

England midfielder Manu Tuilagi says his side’s tournament-opening win over Ireland on Saturday was “probably tougher” than beating the All Blacks in 2012.

A 21-year-old Tuilagi was instrumental in England’s 38-21 victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2012, scoring a try and setting up two more inside a memorable ten-minute period.

Saturday’s match was his first Six Nations start since 2013 after being plagued by injury since that 2012 victory.

In an interview on England’s official website Tuilagi said that beating Ireland in Dublin was “massive” and “right up there” in terms of career highlights.

“It’s the first game, Ireland are the best team in Europe and second in the world,” Tuilagi said. “It’s probably tougher than that win against New Zealand because you don’t have many teams that come to Ireland and win.”

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Tuilagi, now 27, was again instrumental against Ireland with a couple of strong charges leading to Jonny May’s opening try inside two minutes.

“It was just the right play at that time and fair play to the forwards, we said we would keep Ireland down there right from the off,” Tuilagi said.

“That got us the lineout and that was the right call at that moment. It came early, you don’t know when it’s going to come but I was glad to get into the game as quick as I did.”

Tuilagi earned a starting berth in the No. 12 jersey after regular starter Ben Te’o was ruled out through injury.

“It was nice to be out there, especially to start. It’s unfortunate for big Ben but it was nice to enjoy the atmosphere right from the off.”

Tuilagi and England continue their Six Nations campaign next weekend against France.

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Trevor 39 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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