Marcus Smith challenged to be England’s answer to New Zealanders Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga by Eddie Jones
MARCUS SMITH was challenged to become England’s answer to All Blacks playmakers Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga.
Boss Eddie Jones is finally ready to free the Harlequins’ Premiership winner and kick off his testing career after two easy caps against the United States and Canada this summer.
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Smith, 22, got a surprise call-in from the Lions as he PLAYING on his second outing at Twickenham.
But after Jones ditched George Ford for a training camp in England later this week, he’s finally ready to hand Smith the keys to the No.10 shirt.
And he said: “We are looking for him to continue to develop his game and you just have to see the way Barrett and Mo’unga play for the All Blacks, which is necessary in modern times 10.
“A 10 that can take the line can be aggressive, know when to keep deep and be an extra man on defense.
“And that’s what we’re looking for for him to develop his game.”
After their worst result of the England Six Nations, Jones also vowed to have Owen Farrell sacked.
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But with chic playmaker Smith by his side this fall, it will likely be an inside center – not the captain’s favorite open-half position.
The Australian boss said: “All I worry about is getting Owen back to his best.
“He hasn’t been at his best in the last half, but I have no doubts that we can put him back to his best and then we will decide on the direction of the team.
“At this point, there is no reason why he should not be a captain.”
When asked to explain why the 92-haired Farrell ducked, Jones added, “I think there are a number of reasons.
“He had Covid before the Six Nations, his team were in the Championship, they had spasmodic training sessions and he didn’t have high quality games. They also played back-to-back seasons.
“Look at South Africa right now and how they are doing after ten weeks in the bubble in South Africa. It has been a tough time for the players.
“Some players have reacted well and some players have not reacted well.
“For some players we have decided to give them a rest and for others they need to come back and kindle the fire.
“I have no doubts that Owen will be back at his best by the fall.”