Manu Tuilagi: England ready to unleash ‘powerful weapon’ against Wales, says Anthony Siebold | Rugby Union News

Manu Tuilagi is poised to make his England return in Saturday’s Six Nations game against Wales at Twickenham; England defence coach Anthony Seibold: “On both sides of the ball he’s a powerful weapon.”

Manu Tuilagi (centre) is expected to return to England’s midfield against Wales

England assistant coach Anthony Seibold sees Manu Tuilagi as a weapon in attack and defence as the powerful Sale centre prepares to make his comeback in Saturday’s game with Wales.

Tuilagi missed the opening two games of the Guinness Six Nations to make his club comeback from a torn hamstring sustained in the autumn, but he was restored to Eddie Jones’ squad last week.

The 30-year-old is expected to be reunited with Henry Slade in midfield when Wales visit Twickenham on Saturday and Seibold feels he will bring brain as well as brawn to the back line.

“On both sides of the ball, he’s a powerful weapon. That’s been him for the last 10 or so years – him carrying the ball,” Seibold said.

“But just as important, and if not more, is that contact around the defence he is very good.

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Marcus Smith is looking forward to teaming up with his childhood icon Tuilagi if both are selected to face Wales

“You saw the first couple of actions against Harlequins the other day. That Sunday afternoon game he played the last 30 minutes and his first two or three shots in contact were dominant ones.

“He brings a physical presence, there’s no doubt about that. He also brings a lot of experience and smarts in terms of what we’re trying to do from a system perspective.

“Coming back into camp, he’s got that personality and character that people get a lot of confidence from. It’s been great having him back in camp, there’s no doubt about that.”

Tuilagi impressed with Sale on his return from injury

Seibold joined Jones’ coaching team last autumn after a spell coaching in Australian rugby league where he came across a player with similar attributes to Tuilagi, who has been England’s most destructive carrier for the last decade.

Seibold added: “Manu’s a powerful athlete. The one that stands out as a comparison is David Fifita, who plays for the Gold Coast Titans and State of Origin for Queensland

“They’re very similar with regard to their physical attributes. Fifita plays as a back-rower in league, which is similar to playing 12 in union.

“He’s the closest one I’ve come across – a powerful athlete like Manu. Manu is a real glue, there’s no doubt. He’s a really enjoyable guy to coach.”

Smith relishes link-up with childhood icon Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi’s return to the England set-up has brought back memories of his youth for up-and-coming star Marcus Smith.

The duo were part of the same squad for last year’s Autumn Nations Series and Smith, 23, is excited by the prospect of lining up with the 30-year-old again against Wales after spending his childhood marvelling him and one of his predecessors in the No 10 shirt, the great Jonny Wilkinson.

“He’s a brilliant player,” Smith said. “When I was young, I used to watch him play. I think I even watched his first try at Twickenham, the dummy-switch with Jonny Wilkinson [against Wales in 2011].

“We played a couple of games together in the autumn. It’s brilliant to have him back in camp, he’s a ball of energy.

“He’s a brilliant ball carrier. But I think his skillset is undervalued. He can pass off both hands very well. All our centres are massive threats at the line and good carriers in their own right.”