SMITH SURGES INTO EDDIE’S PLANS
HARLEQUINS’ teen No 10 sensation Marcus Smith is poised to take another step towards his Test debut when he is included today in England’s latest training squad.
Eddie Jones, England’s head coach, will select 18-year-old Smith — who has played just three senior matches for Quins — in the group which convenes in Oxford on Sunday for a three-day, pre-autumn series camp.
As revealed by Sportsmail yesterday, Jones first became aware of Smith’s talent while still in charge of Japan during the last World Cup.
George Ford is established as England’s first-choice fly-half, with Owen Farrell alongside at inside centre. If that alliance continues, there is scope for another playmaker in England’s matchday 23 and Smith could challenge Saracens’ Alex Lozowski for that potential opening.
He has already impressed for Quins, being named man of the match in last Sunday’s win over Wasps. It was Wasps’ first home league defeat since December 2015 and by the end of the match Smith was running the show in front of the watching Jones.
Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni is likely to miss out again when the squad is announced this morning mornson despite early- season form for his club. Manyny have clamoured for thee Fiji- born flyer to be recalled but it is understood that Marland Yarde of Harlequins will get the nod.
Todd Blackadder, Bath director of rugby, has s described some of Rokoduguni’s dureakh performances as ‘freakish’ but the perception has beenb that England’s coaches are concerned about his defensive work.
Blackadder said: ‘It doesn’t mean he’s not a good player, if he doesn’t play for England. All he can do is keep the pressure on.’ understands that England’s management have doubts about Rokoduguni’s ability to adapt to the team framework at Test level. Yarde has also been in fine form, scoring three tries in as many games to justijustify his inclusion. ThThe English Lions from the epepic series draw in New ZZealand — Mako Vunipola, JJamie George, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson — are expected to be left out to hhelp ease their workload, aalthough a final decision hahas not yet been made. SoSome who have started the new seasons in terrific form are iin ddanger of missing out on today’s squad. Exeter No 8 Sam Simmonds, the Premiership’s top try-scorer with four in three matches, is likely to be overlooked, as is Northampton centre Luther Burrell.