England head coach Eddie Jones has made no bones about his admiration for Kyle Sinckler – and Harlequins teammate Mat Luamanu admits it is easy to see why he rates him so highly.
Sinckler has been a regular presence in the Red Rose squad during Jones’ three-year reign and has been selected once again in the 36-strong party for the start of the Six Nations.
The Australian has also previously singled out the 25-year-old tighthead prop, who took up rugby after being considered too aggressive for football, for praise for his competitive edge
And fellow Harlequins forward Luamanu believes Sinckler’s energy and threat on the attack will ensure he continues to rack up the minutes under Jones’ watch during the Six Nations.
“I think he just brings a different dimension, he doesn’t only just scrum but he can also carry,” said Luamanu, who joined rugby fans in Twickenham to tackle some of the most memorable sporting moments over a cold pint of Greene King IPA ahead of the Six Nations.
“He runs great lines and that’s why Eddie Jones loves him so much especially when he brings that different dimension to the game.
“He can scrum well and he definitely is a danger person on attack and defence and he brings just a different kind of energy.
“If you talk to him you’ll know what I’m talking about. He’s got a lot of energy, he’s ready to go and he’s just a good person.
“You definitely want him in the team because he brings so much energy and he’s like another loose forward. He can carry the ball and run lines, he’s on his way to becoming a great player.”
The Harlequins flanker was joined at The George pub in Twickenham by club teammates Nathan Earle and Tim Visser to help launch Greene King’s The Last Drop Out promotion.
Customers at Greene King pubs who are handed the last pint of the barrel will receive a golden ticket which has a range of prizes – from a free pint of Greene King IPA to Rugby World Cup tickets.
Sinckler is not the only Harlequins forward to make the England squad, with Jack Clifford earning a recall two years after his last appearance following a number of injury problems.
And Luamanu believes the 25-year-old will be mentally stronger for his time on the sidelines, backing the back-rower to prove his worth during the Six Nations.
“I’m very happy for Jack,” he said.
“I’ve been there when he’s got injured those few times, he was real down, but he’s managed to just bring himself back.
“He’s another person that brings a different dimension. He’s not big but he’s got some wheels and runs great lines as well and he fights to the end and that’s what I think Eddie loves about him.
“I think, mentally, going through those injuries makes you stronger in the long run though. You’ve been there, you know you can get back up.
“I think for Jack to get back to that high level that he’s always wanted to is a great testament to what kind of character he’s got. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to playing some Six Nations.
“If he can get some game time he can definitely show Eddie what he’s got and obviously he’s picked him for a reason, he obviously knows he’s got something special.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to cement a place in the team and I think Jack will repay Eddie by playing how he’s been playing the last few weeks, he’s been awesome for Quins as well.”
Harlequins stars joined rugby fans to tackle some of the most memorable sporting moments over a cold pint of Greene King IPA. Follow @GreeneKingIPA #TheLastDropOut for more information.
