MANU TUILAGI makes his Leicester comeback against Munster to lead the charge for England’s Euro flops.
The return of the steamrolling Red Rose star also gives Eddie Jones a huge Six Nations boost.
And Christmas came early for Tigers with fellow centre Matt Toomua also back for the crunch Champions Cup clash.
Injury-plagued Tuilagi, 26, has been out for three months after damaging knee ligaments on the opening day of the Premiership season.
Ahead of facing the Irish giants, Tigers boss Matt O’Connor said: “Matt and Manu have training hard.
“They’re world-class performers and it’s great they are back.”
SUN BETS: BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET
After ALL SEVEN English clubs lost in the Champions Cup last weekend — the first time that has happened — Tuilagi’s return brings much-needed festive cheer.
He visited a witch doctor in his native Samoa during his latest spell out in a bid to exorcise his injury demons.
SARA-SINS Saracens have gone from wolves to wimps as they suffer worst run in 14 years
And Tuilagi will now be targeting a return to the England squad for a pre-Six Nations warm-up in Brighton on January 2.
Facing Munster at a packed-out Welford Road is a big test on his comeback.
And O’Connor admits his side must deliver a massive performance tomorrow to keep hopes alive of making the quarter-finals.
He said: “We prepared well for last weekend but didn’t deliver on the day and got beaten by a very committed Munster side.
“Now we are looking at a big reaction at home. Pool 4 is the tightest of all the groups in the competition — all four teams still have everything to play for.”
Tuilagi and England’s not so magnificent seven face a huge task trying to halt their own Brexit after a week from hell.
Most Read In Sport
Double European winners and reigning champs Saracens go to last year’s runners-up Clermont on a revenge mission.
The French club humbled Sarries 46-14 on Monday night — handing them their biggest defeat ever in the competition.
Elsewhere, domestic title holders Exeter Chiefs fly to Dublin to face Stuart Lancaster’s three-time winners Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, but NO Prem side top their Euro group.
So with only three runners-up spots up for grabs for the quarter-finals, it is do-or-die for English sides still clinging on to their European dream.
Leave a comment