Sale Sharks sent English rugby a serious statement last week after they announced the signing of Manu Tuilagi after the termination of his contract with Leicester Tigers. Having Tuilagi on the books should not only help the Sharks challenge for the Gallagher Premiership following the resumption on the 14th August but next season as well.
The announcement came as a surprise as the week before Sale’s Director of Rugby Steve Diamond had made it clear that “while Sale were not, at that point, talking to Tuilagi, they would have room in their salary cap to accommodate the player.“
He went on to add: “If players do become available of a high calibre as long as we are not contravening any regulations then we will look at other players. Financially we would be able to do that.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Steve Diamond, the Sale Sharks director of rugby, welcomes new signing Manu Tuilagi to their Carrington Training Ground on July 14, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) 
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Manu Tuilagi of Sale Sharks poses at their Carrington Training Ground on July 14, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Sale kick off the resumption with a trip to the Twickenham Stoop to play Harlequins who they humbled 48-10 at the AJ Bell Stadium at the turn of the year. The Sharks were also meant to be facing Quins in the final of the Premiership Rugby Cup but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fans will eagerly await to see if “Dimes” deploys his new England star at the earliest opportunity. The prospect is tantalising. Who could potentially partner Tuilagi in midfield is also something Sharks fans can get excited about.
Rohan Janse van Rensburg, in his third year with Sale, is having a very productive season. The South African has played 10 times mainly at inside centre (12), scoring three tries, making eight clean breaks and beating 47 defenders in the process. His continued appearances in the 12 jersey would allow Manu to easily slot in beside him. This would open up the possibility of Sale having a powerhouse 221kg midfield combination.
van Rensburg has made 84 carries so far this season totalling 362 metres at an average of over 4m per carry. Combine this with Tuilagi’s renowned ability to carry the ball over the gainline and you have two players comfortable with ball in hand and capable of punching holes in the opposition defence to create space in the wider channels for the likes of Denny Solomona, Marland Yarde et cetera to exploit.
Another option for Diamond to consider would be fellow acquisition Sam Hillbwho joined from Exeter Chiefs. Hill played 10 times for Exeter before the halt to the season all in the 12 jersey, with the exception of two substitute appearances. The Englishman so far this season has scored two tries, made three clean breaks and has beaten 19 defenders.
The Exeter native has made 237 metres from his 97 carries so far this season at an average of over 2m per carry. Although not as explosive as RJVR at first glance, Hill would offer a more than able replacement to either Tuilagi or van Rensburg given the need for rotation being needed with the amount of rugby set to be played in a congested period.
Alternatively, Diamond could opt for options that were already at the club. Sam & Luke James have been regular names on the team sheet this season thus far. With Sam appearing 11 times and Luke nine times. All of Sam’s appearances have come at 13 and Luke has mostly featured at 12 but has shown a versatility to fill in across the backline.
SALFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Luke James of Sale Sharks is tackled by Terrance Hepetema of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and London Irish at on March 06, 2020 in Salford, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) 
SALFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Sam James of Sale Sharks runs with the ball during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and London Irish at on March 06, 2020 in Salford, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Both brothers have been promising when they have played, both scoring three tries apiece and have impressive carry stats. The main point of difference for both of them compared with van Rensburg and Hill is that they have five try assists between them, giving an indication that they would offer something contrasting to the direct ball carrying of Tuilagi if they were paired together.
