Blaine Scully made a huge impact in his first Aviva Premiership start, scoring a try for Leicester and helping the Tigers defeat Newcastle 31-6 and improve to 2-1.

Scully was part of a torrid attack that saw the Tigers score three tries in the first half. The third was Scully’s, as he ran in support of Manu Tuilagi and went over in the corner.

Scully did more than that. He was heavily involved in the first Leicester try, and made several key defensive plays, including a tackle that stopped a try (Newcastle settled for a drop goal), and a well-execute mop-up of a dangerous grubber into the Leicester 22.

Scully’s performance is more significant than just an excellent league debut, although that will do the former Cal All American’s prospect no harm at all. It also harkens to the options for the USA team. If Scully can get regular minutes at fullback in a professional environment, then he could perhaps open the door even wider for Chris Wyles to secure a spot at outside center.

Wyles has been the regular USA fullback since the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but has also played wing and center for Saracens. Wyles starts at outside center for his club on Sunday, and as he gets more time in the #13 jersey, and Scully gets more time in the #15 jersey, perhaps that will be how USA Coach Mike Tolkin will use those players in the future.