IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE MARCUS
Teen star Smith could be ‘X-Factor rookie’.. but for now he’s here to polish the boots says Jones
EDDIE JONES says Marcus Smith could go from shoe shine boy to Rugby World Cup star.
The 18-year-old fly-half was yesterday called into England’s training squad – and given the job of cleaning George Ford’s boots.
But Jones admitted an “X-factor rookie” is the missing piece in England’s World Cup squad – and that Smith may yet be that player.
The Red Rose boss recalled how an unknown Nehe Milner-Skudder came from nowhere to score six tries in the All Blacks’ 2015 World Cup triumph.
“I reckon now we have 80 per cent of the squad about right, but we are looking for the X-factor rookie to come out,” the Australian said.
“What I would like to find is someone like a Milner-Skudder, someone who comes out of the blue and gives you something so different in a World Cup year.
“There’s a place for that sort of player and, who knows, it could be someone like Marcus Smith.”
Jones was desperate to puncture the hype which has greeted the electric start made by a player in his first year out of school.
“He’s an apprentice,” said Jones. “He’ll clean some boots and hold some tackle bags. He’s fifth-choice No.10, he’s come to learn about the game, so don’t get too excited.
“It’s clear he’s got talent. What we don’t know is whether he’s got the desire and work ethic. You read the papers and he’s the next Jonny Wilkinson. I’m sure he’s going to be good at shining George Ford’s boots.” Jones’ caution is well advised, but the fact
remains he has picked Smith for a squad with no room for Lions Jonathan Joseph, James Haskell, George Kruis and Kyle Sinckler.
“This is a training squad,” added Jones, who reserved the right to recall them in his November Test squad.