Alex was brilliant, so why isn’t he Goode enough for Jones?
WHEN the broken-record question came, about remaining inexplicably out of favour with England, Saracens’ artful dodger delivered yet another deft sidestep. Alex Goode had been the creative architect of Sarries’ devastating victory at Twickenham on Saturday, which wrested back the Aviva Premiership title from Exeter in this winner-takes-all decider. The full back set up three of his side’s four tries and had a major hand in the other one. It was a majestic exhibition of attacking class, in front of the national coach. But Eddie Jones has consistently overlooked Goode since his last Test appearance 18 months ago. So the 30-year-old was understandably evasive when asked if his latest big-occasion tour de force could earn a return from international exile. ‘I can’t comment on what Eddie sees,’ Goode said. ‘I am just out there to do a good job for Saracens. I am happy with my personal performance today — and the team performance. I can’t do any more.’ He will be in Africa next month, but not at the southern end of the continent with the England squad. Instead, he is visiting Malawi, to teach at one of the schools his mother has helped to build there. The fact that his face doesn’t seem to fit is a source of confusion for public and pundits alike. It is also a mystery to Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall. When asked if he knows why Goode is deemed surplus to requirements, McCall said: ‘I don’t know. If they want outand-out pace at full back, he’s not your man, although he’s quick enough. He can only do what he’s done today; play the way he’s played. Brilliantly. It’s up to Eddie what he does next. ‘I think Alex is resigned to it maybe not happening for him, with England. But he ends up playing a lot of rugby for us. ‘Today he took his game to a different level. It was his best ever finals performance. He was extraordinarily good.’ He wasn’t the only one. Saracens were utterly imperious. After emerging from their slump late last year, this was the collective performance which signified a return to their ruthless, deadly peak. The club’s English Lions were magnificent. Again. But the one who really stood out was Mako Vunipola. As ever, the prop was still carrying and tackling and cleverly distributing until the game was nearly up. The official man of the match was lauded by all and sundry after this latest titanic shift against a big, tough Exeter pack. ‘He was outstanding,’ Goode said. ‘He really is one of the best players in the world. He’s an absolute joy to play with. He’s got an incredible rugby mind.’ Saracens’ standards were so high that Exeter, who won the league with room to spare, had no answer once they had conceded two tries in five firsthalf minutes. It was a fourth Premiership triumph for McCall, which was founded on the fabled Wolfpack defence, who efficiently absorbed endless waves of pressure. The upshot was that the great Schalk Brits — hooker supreme — and Chris Wyles, who touched down twice, were able to go into retirement with another medal each.