Moody expecting big things from ‘powerhouse’ Cokanasiga

Lewis Moody wants to see “powerhouse” England wing Joe Cokanasiga wreak havoc when he makes his first Six Nations start against Italy on Saturday.

Cokanasiga will replace the injured Jack Nowell (shoulder) for the round-four encounter with an Azzurri side who sit bottom of the table without a point.

The Bath flyer scored tries in both of his previous starts against Japan and Australia last November.

Former England flanker Moody is excited by the prospect of the 21-year-old being unleashed at Twickenham, where Eddie Jones’ side will be expected to come out firing following their defeat to Wales.

Speaking on behalf of Land Rover, Moody told Omnisport: “Cokanasiga is the really interesting selection for me and one I am really excited about.

“Had he been fit, he would have been in at the start of the tournament I am sure after the way he played in the autumn. When he is on the pitch he brings that excitement, the feeling something is going to happen.

“He has such power and pace and offers something unique, with the ability to either bounce off a couple of tackles and score or make a try for someone else.

“Eddie Jones is obviously a huge fan of Jack Nowell with his tenacity, but he did not have his best game against Wales. I think there is definitely a place in the side for Nowell, but Cokanasiga offers something so different and he can make a big impact on Saturday.”

“What’s important is how you respond and so far the response in training has been excellent.”

Eddie on #ENGvITA   https://t.co/dI1R4cleoO #WearTheRose   @O2sports pic.twitter.com/qJE8F3zeYE

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 7, 2019

Ben Te’o also starts in a team that includes five changes following the loss to leaders Wales, but Moody does not see the British and Irish Lion and Manu Tuilagi forming a centre pairing beyond this weekend.

“I believe the Henry Slade and Tuilagi combination has worked well, so I can only see it as being an experiment to play two big, brash centres.” said Moody.

“It seems like a South African-style tactic of bludgeoning them into submission down the middle and it will be interesting to see how they work together.”

Lewis Moody is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover shares and understands the values of rugby. @LandRoverRugby

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta