Jonny May sharpened up for the Guinness Six Nations with two tries as Leicester Tigers eased past Gloucester Rugby 34-16.
The England wing was at his superb best, with 131 metres made, five defenders beaten and three clean breaks as the Tigers clawed themselves back into the top half of the Gallagher Premiership.
England boss Eddie Jones, whose side open in Ireland in Round One, will have been pleased with what he saw at Welford Road, as George Ford also delivered a perfect display.
The fly-half, a key component of England’s victorious sides in 2016 and 2017, nailed four conversions and two penalties with the boot, while he also scored a try late in the match after combining with England colleague May, who took his tally for the season to nine in the league.
Ellis Genge, Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs also played their part in the win, with prop Genge particularly impressive in the loose.
Elsewhere, Wales head coach Warren Gatland will have noted another impressive display from full-back Jonah Holmes – who carried for 103 metres and scored a try of his own.
Across the Midlands at Sixways, Zach Mercer’s impressive season continued as he scored a try for Bath Rugby at Worcester Warriors.
The powerful No.8, who made his England debut against South Africa in November, made 72 metres on 22 runs and beat an impressive seven defenders – but it was in vain as the Warriors, including England centre Ben Te’o, struck late to win.
On a busy day of Premiership action, Jack Clifford and Alex Dombrandt both crossed for Harlequins in their convincing 38-17 success at Newcastle Falcons, underlining England’s back-row strength.
Clifford, who featured in Jones’ first Guinness Six Nations match three years ago, scored just before half-time while the in-form Dombrandt, who is yet to receive a senior cap, added another after the break to put his hand up for selection.
