Alfie unleashed fro Telegraph

[Neils]

   
By Charlie Morgan

You may have heard that England are welcoming back Manu Tuilagi, their gain-line enforcer, to face Wales.

The explosive centre is sure to add thrust and will create space for others around him. As a carrier, the 30-year-old remains a game-changing individual.

Last week, though, England defence coach Anthony Seibold heralded the tackle-breaking prowess of Alfie Barbeary.

“He has got some attributes you can’t coach,” Seibold said of the uncapped 21-year-old. “He is as good a ball carrier that we have got in the group.”

Seibold’s overall tone was slightly cautious. He indicated that Barbeary’s defence and “work off the ball” must become more consistent. Even so, that was high praise.

England certainly lacked punch at Murrayfield. A week later in Rome, with Maro Itoje at blindside flanker and a starting centre partnership of Henry Slade and Joe Marchant, their phase-play lost momentum at times.

Barbeary is a versatile attacker. He relishes rampaging out wide and also sniffs around breakdowns to catch out fringe defenders. In contact, his rare blend of power and balance make it extremely difficult for defenders to drag him to the deck.

Over his age-group career, Barbeary flitted between hooker and centre. Since the beginning of this season, he has been concentrating on the back row.

That frees him up to hang in the back-field during kicking exchanges. From there, he can gather steam and create quick ball to spark counter-attacks.

With Wasps, notorious for their disruptive defence, Barbeary has produced some significant turnovers as well. He is a fascinating talent, and his Test introduction seems to be inevitable.

That said, Eddie Jones will have to think carefully about how to unleash Barbeary. For instance, what would his role be at lineouts? That set piece is a vital attacking platform for England. Which locks and back-rowers would best complement Barbeary?

These questions will have to be answered carefully for England to integrate an excellent young player capable of enhancing them as an attacking force.