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Exeter pipped to the post for highly rated Nathan Jibulu
By Neil Fissler
Sale Sharks look set to pip Exeter Chiefs in the race to deal Premiership rivals Harlequins another transfer blow by signing England under-20 hooker Nathan Jibulu when his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Fissler Confidential reported a couple of weeks ago that Chiefs were keeping close tabs on Wimbledon College-educated Jibulu, 21, but sources are now telling us that the Sharks are now in pole position to do a deal.
Jibulu has scored one try in six appearances for Quins this season, taking his tally to four tries in 19 games since making a try-scoring debut in the Premiership Cup against Saracens in September 2021.
The former Esher and London Scottish loanee recently told Harlequins TV that he “still a lot to learn and still a lot to build on,” but it would appear that will be happening away from the Twickenham Stoop.
An insider has told us that Quins are rattled at the news, which comes so quickly after inside centre Lennox Anyanwu, who has scored one try in five appearances this season, has opted to move to Montpellier in France next season.
The Sharks are well served in the hooking position, with former England and Lions star Luke Cowan-Dickie starting five of their seven games this season and scoring four tries.
Quins should have an early chance for revenge as they are the favourites to land England scrum-half Raffi Quirke should he look to kick start his career with a move away from the North-West next season.
It will also be another bitter pill to swallow for Chiefs boss Rob Baxter, who last week admitted the club are ‘miles off the salary cap’, has been cleared to bring in replacements this season.
Baxter is understood to have a hooker and a scrum-half on his shopping list for next season and, barring a last-minute change of heart, will be missing out on Jibulu.
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Latest Comments
They don't have any choice against Ireland when the Allblacks pick only two lineout jumpers.
They went short and to the over throw repeatedly against the English and this telegraphing of intent by Jason Ryan to repeat the dose may be a smokescreen.
What I'd do against the Irish is start Cane at seven to rough them up (legally) in a return to 2016 and start three locks with Tupou shifted to six.
Sititi at eight with Savea to lead the bench impact with a 6-2 split that includes Darry and Finau. Ratima and ALB to cover the backs.
Savea to replace Cane after thirty or so minutes with Cane instructed to empty the tank.
No disrespect to Ireland, they're the toughest test, slightly tougher than France with with only six days recovery for the Allblacks and up against the best coaching group in the north.
Go to commentsNah, that just needs some more variation. Chip kicks, grubber stabs, all those. Will Jordan showed a pretty good reason why the rush was bad for his link up with BB.
If you have an overlap on a rush defense, they naturally cover out and out and leave a huge gap near the ruck.
It also helps if both teams play the same rules. ARs set the offside line 1m past where the last mans feet were😅
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