Rugby union: talking points from the weekend's Premiership action

Oct 31, 2016

Owen Williams struggled at outside-half for Leicester, Exeter have picked up Bath’s old habit of losing close games and the outlook is grim for Gavin Henson

“Three weeks,” was Richard Cockerill’s reply when asked when Manu Tuilagi would be back from his latest injury. It has become a stock answer, but the England centre may actually be back on 20 November. Leicester need him as they try to inject consistency into a campaign of highs and lows and overcome the loss of the Australian midfielder Matt Toomua to a knee ligament injury. They played Jack Roberts and Peter Betham in the centre at Saracens with Owen Williams at outside-half, but there was little sense of direction and too many of Leicester’s moves went sideways. It was only when Freddie Burns came off the bench that the Tigers showed purpose and penetration, and the outside-half set up their try with a break from his own 22. Williams has reached a crossroads in his career three years since joining Leicester from the Scarlets. He is 24 and has yet to attract much interest from Wales for a reason. He stuck to his script on Saturday even at times when he needed to show initiative. Leicester were surprisingly reluctant to kick for touch even though Saracens were without their two leading second rows, and one loose punt in the first half from near his own line, which should have been put into the crowd, gave Alex Goode the opportunity to create his side’s second try. Burns showed how when he came on, but it was too late. Williams has talent, but he needs to start running games and using his head. Paul Rees

Tags: Premiership Premiership 2016-17 Rugby union Sport