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'Tougher than that win against New Zealand'
By Online Editors
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."
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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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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