England are considering moving Manu Tuilagi to the wing to boost their attacking potency as they seek to claw their way back into their three-Test series against New Zealand. The All Blacks won the first Test 20-15 and the England head coach, Stuart Lancaster, admits his side will have to score tries if they are to win in Dunedin this Saturday.
Lancaster has all kinds of selection options with Danny Care, Billy Twelvetrees, Owen Farrell, Tom Wood, Courtney Lawes and Billy Vunipola available if required. With Kyle Eastmond, Luther Burrell and Brad Barritt also jostling for places at centre, the merits of relocating Tuilagi to the left wing have been debated by the management.
It may not happen immediately but Lancaster admits “all options are open” for the rest of the series. “We’ve got a potential option of playing Manu on the wing and that has been discussed. We have not done it yet but that is one thing that could happen. He has certainly got pace ... he is one of the quickest in our squad. He would be a significant threat off phase play and defensively he would be fine.
“Modern wings like Julian Savea create mayhem from the wing and I’m sure Manu could do the same. You’ve also got to look at what centre options then get opened up. You’ve got Billy Twelvetrees, Kyle Eastmond, Luther Burrell ... they are all part of the equation.”
Lancaster, however, indicated several players who featured in the Six Nations would be invited to match the gallant efforts of last Saturday’s chosen players. “There are players who have played very well for England in the Six Nations and through no fault of their own couldn’t play in the first Test. It’s only right they should be given an opportunity. But it’s equally hard to turn round [and drop] a player who has played exceptionally well against the All Blacks. I just want to make sure it’s fair to all. It is a very tough selection position to be in but a good one in lots of ways.”
Lancaster clearly believes the increased internal competition will boost England’s chances of winning the second Test. Care will not train fully until later in the week but there are no fresh injuries from the weekend. “I think we’ll get another lift in performance because of the attitude of players who have sat on the sideline. Combine that with the frustration of those who played at Eden Park and hopefully it creates a powerful motivator going into the second game.”
Lancaster is also hopeful England will enjoy more assistance from the referee after several debatable first Test decisions went against them and plans to meet the International Rugby Board’s refereeing manager Joël Jutge – “There are a few questions I’ll be asking him” – but stressed the need to reflect on their own game management. “The ultimate frustration for me is that, in that period when we had five to 10 minutes to go and were in between our 22 and the halfway line with 14 men, field position became a priority and we didn’t take it. We have to look at ourselves before blaming anyone else.”
