When Kepu Tuipulotu danced down the left touchline like a heavyweight ballerina, England fans were given a glimpse of the future.
The 20-year-old hooker charged out of his own 22, breaking two tackles and launching an arcing kick off the outside of his right boot.
Bernard van der Linde gave chase, beating the final defender to pull Bath level.
It was a momentum-swinging moment that crushed Sale’s spirit and reminded Steve Borthwick of the X-factor option in his front-row ranks.
Tuipulotu is a raw, developing talent but in Bath’s 31-26 victory at the CorpAcq Stadium on Sunday, he showcased a game-breaking ability that few English hookers can match.
A cousin of Billy Vunipola, Toby Faletau and Sione Tuipulotu, the youngster is from one of rugby’s richest bloodlines.
Kepu Tuipulotu impressed in Bath’s win at Sale on Sunday, with England’s George Ford among those to witness his dancing feet
The 20-year-old hooker (pictured at an Under-20 camp last year) could be a bolter for the 2027 World Cup squad
Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie are England’s established hookers but three No 2s will travel to Australia next year.
Tuipulotu’s set-piece work remains a work in progress, but if his development continues over the next 12 months then he could emerge as a World Cup bolter.
In 2024, Borthwick invited Tuipulotu to watch England training, although Bath coach Johann van Graan has used him sparingly since as he adjusts to the demands of the senior game.
‘Kepu’s one of the most explosive hookers I’ve coached,’ said Van Graan, who previously coached Bismarck du Plessis and Bongi Mbonambi with the Springboks.
‘To have that speed of thought to put the ball in behind, it was a massive moment in the game. That’s what you want from your players, a point of difference. His explosiveness is certainly a big point of difference.
‘He’s got huge potential but what we do at this club is set players up to succeed. We’ve given him a bit here and a bit there and he’s used every single opportunity.’
The impact of Bath’s bench won the game on Sunday, as Van Graan rested the likes of Ben Spencer, Finn Russell, Sam Underhill and Ollie Lawrence yet his second-string side still found a way to win.
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson looked crestfallen on the final whistle. Co-owner Ged Mason wrapped an arm around his shoulder but it is clear that more investment is needed to close the gap.
Proposals to build a new stadium in Altrincham offer a positive future and hopefully the club will make announcements soon to lift supporter spirits in a sticky campaign.
If the owners can take control of their matchday revenue – much of which currently goes to the council – and improve the gameday experience then everyone will benefit.
Tuipulotu showcased a game-breaking ability against Sale that few English hookers can match
‘Kepu’s one of the most explosive hookers I’ve coached,’ said Bath’s Johann van Graan, who previously coached Bismarck du Plessis and Bongi Mbonambi with the Springboks
Joe Marchant and Nicky Smith are shrewd signings for next season but the club’s recruiters should think about making a long-term move for Burnley-born rugby league star Herbie Farnworth. George Ford would relish such a midfield opportunity.
At the illustrious Rosslyn Park Schools Sevens this week, schoolboy coach Ben Foden told Daily Mail Sport that his students at the northern Scarborough College are struggling to find elite opportunities, due to the lack of Yorkshire representation.
There may be answers close to home, with promising talent coming through the age grade system who could follow the likes of Tom Curry, Raffi Quirke and Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
But the well has been relatively dry of late, and the power of Bath’s comeback offered a reminder that it is time to start finding their own answers to Tuipulotu.
