Cueto tipped for England return

Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre backed Mark Cueto for an international recall after his try helped defeat Guinness Premiership leaders London Irish 14-8 in front of England manager Martin Johnson.

Cueto has struggled desperately for fitness and form in the aftermath of the 2007 World Cup in France but he confirmed his recent renaissance with his fourth try in three games against the Exiles.

Saint-Andre said: "Jonno was sat next to me so you'll have to ask him but Cueto is back to his best and he scored a try again. He has struggled with injuries for 18 months but in the past three months he's been free from injury and he's looked sharp, quick and strong."

He added: "It's the best he's been in a long time - even during the World Cup he struggled with injury - but he's had a good pre-season and you can see in training how confident he is right now.

"He'll beat people one on one and when you're on the wing, you want this. He finished well for his try.

"It was a big win, it keeps us in position to finish in the top four and it sets up nicely for Munster away in the Heineken Cup next week."