Tomkins set to shine on debut against the Wallabies
Published:Joel Tomkins will run out at Twickenham for his England rugby union debut hoping to achieve something his brother failed to do just one week earlier – score a try against Australia.
Rugby League star Sam Tomkins is spearheading England’s World Cup campaign but Steve McNamara’s side came up just short against the nine-time champions in Cardiff.
The New Zealand Warriors back may have failed to cross the whitewash against the Kangaroos but brother Joel can now go one better at rugby union HQ.
Ladbrokes are offering tempting odds of 20/1 on Tomkins scoring the first try in west London, while the former Wigan man is 5/1 to score at anytime on his debut.
The former rugby league man, who starts at outside centre against the Wallabies, has been instrumental in Saracens’ excellent start to the season.
With his direct running style and power – demonstrated in scoring a length-of-the-field try in the 2011 Challenge Cup final helping Wigan to a 28-18 win – he could cause the Aussie defence plenty of problems.
The 26-year-old will not be overawed by the big stage having played in the white of England in the rugby league code and with Saracens team-mates Owen Farrell, Chris Ashton, Billy Vunipola and Mako Vunipola alongside him; he should feel right at home.
However, it’s not all about Joel on Saturday. Despite not getting on the score sheet against the Australia last week, Sam Tomkins has the opportunity to hit back against Ireland. The full-back is 6/1 to score the first try against the Wolfhounds in Huddersfield.
If you think it could be double delight for the Tomkins family, backing Joel and Sam to make mum and dad proud by both scoring the first try in their respective matches gives a healthy return at 147/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
