Sam gets tipped for England call-up

EXETER forwards coach Rob Hunter would be delighted to see No.8 discovery Sam Simmonds force his way into England contention as Eddie Jones aims to solve his back row injury problems.

With Billy Vunipola out with a knee injury and Harlequins’ Jack Clifford dislocting his shoulder against Sale on Friday night, Jones has gaps to fill for the Autumn internationals.

A year after appearing off the bench for Championship side Cornish Pirates, Simmonds is starring in the top flight as deputy for injured Chiefs try machine Thomas Waldrom and Hunter said: “It would be a fantastic experience for him.

“Sam’s going really well and every time he gets the ball people are going ‘aahhh’ expecting a break.”

Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: “We were a little bit frustrated by our innacuracy which gave them a huge amount of opportunities.

“That comes from us stressing ourselves by not sticking to the script.”