Manu Tuilagi makes his long-awaited return to the England team with Eddie Jones warning: “It’s like he’s going to win his first cap”.
The Sale midfield star has not played for his country since being sent off against Wales in March last year.
Injuries to his Achilles and hamstring forced him to miss the next 12 internationals. In his absence England lost their attacking threat and tanked.
Of all the players picked to face them tomorrow, Tonga will be least pleased to see Tuilagi, whose two tries spared England’s blushes when they last met at the World Cup.
Marcus Smith’s injury-hit build-up means Owen Farrell starts at fly-half and captains the side on his 100th international appearance, with Smith on the bench.
Jamie George, dropped from the squad only a fortnight ago, starts as hooker and Jones finds room for exciting back-three pair Freddie Steward and Adam Radwan.
But Tuilagi is centre of attention in every respect after becoming leaner and meaner by cutting out red meat and reducing his sugar intake.
Jones said: “Manu's preparation has been first class, he’s in great physical condition. Sale have done an outstanding job with him.
"It’s like he’s going to win his first cap on Saturday at the moment and we’re all excited about what we’re going to see from him. He’s a tough, hard player. A real warrior.”
Tuilagi has shed more than a stone but dismisses any suggestion that slimming down reduces the impact he will have on the game.
“Being a wrecking ball sort of centre is more mentality,” he said. “You can be the smallest guy and still run through brick walls. I have lost weight but I am still heavy.”
Jones is casting this as a new era for England, midway through the World Cup cycle.
He has changed the leadership dynamic by appointing Courtney Lawes, Ellis Genge and Tom Curry as Farrell’s vice captains.
And he believes the first Twickenham capacity crowd since, coincidentally, Tuilagi’s last appearance, is going to see 'new' England attack with greater aggression and understanding of what they’re trying to achieve.
Whatever route they go it is safe to assume Tuilagi, who lines up between Farrell and Slade for the first time since England's 2019 World Cup quarter-final win over Australia, will supply the fuel.
“Manu is a game-breaker,” said Farrell. “Someone that makes a lot happen, sometimes out of nothing, which you need in Test matches at times.
“The best bit about him is how much he enjoys playing for England, how much of a smile he has got on his face when he goes out to represent his country.
“That makes me love playing with him. That, and his ability to beat defenders, obviously!”
England: Steward; Radwan, Slade, Tuilagi, May; Farrell (capt), Youngs; Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Hill, Lawes, Underhill, Curry.
Replacements: Blamire, Marler, Stuart, Ewels, Dombrandt, Mitchell, Smith, Furbank.
Tonga: Veainu; W Fifita, Hingano, Taumoepeau, Kata; Morath, Takulua (capt); Fisi'ihoi, Ngauamo, Tameifuna, H Fifita, Halaifonua, Timani, Kafatolu, Vailanu.
Replacements: Maile, Uhila, Fia, Funaki, Havili, Fukofuka, Faiva, Fine.
