Northampton lock Christian Day impressed by Samu Manoa impact
- Published
Manoa won a USA cap versus Georgia, but did not travel to the World Cup
Northampton Saints lock Christian Day has praised team-mate Samu Manoa for his impact since joining the Premiership club.
The 26-year-old lock joined from San Francisco Golden Gate in the summer, external.
Day told BBC Radio Northampton: "He arrived to fill Courtney Lawes' shirt as an explosive, dynamic second row and he's more than done that.
"He's massively strong and fast, with great hands, and the more he learns the game, the better he's going to get."
Day added: "He's not going to be the second row who hits forty rucks a game, but he naturally finds the right place to ball carry.
Day predicts long USA career for Manoa
"When people run into him in defence, he knocks them down pretty fast."
Manoa was one of 10 new recruits to Franklin's Gardens over the summer, external, and Day says the squad have relished the increased competition for places.
"We recruited heavily in pre-season to increase the squad depth, and we've got people all over the pitch putting pressure on the people wearing first team shirts.
"That can only drive standards up. The coaches are looking for young guys who are really driven to succeed and to further themselves at a top club.
"A lot of guys have been recruited and pretty much all of them are fulfilling expectations."