11TH HEAVEN Confident Smith display in FOR JONES
ARCUS SMITH passed his Ashes audition with flying colours as England convinced themselves they can take on Australia without Owen Farrell.
Twickenham’s first full house for 20 months revelled in the sight of Eddie Jones’ team running in 11 tries against outclassed opponents.
But the real plus from a lopsided contest came in the form of Smith’s half-hour cameo off the bench.
The young fly-half was unable to start due to an injury-hit build-up which kept him off the training field.
But with Farrell testing positive for Covid it was vital he not only proved his fitness but showed he had the form to take charge next weekend.
The answer came emphatically with a try scored and another four dotted down on his watch as a Smith-inspired England racked up 35 unanswered points.
“I went out there no holds barred and gave it my best,” said the 22-year-old. “My leg felt really good and it’s a special feeling we have got in this team.”
Jones was delighted with the way England continued to go for the jugular and though he was careful not to single out Smith, he will have seen enough to know he is ready for the Wallabies.
“Those games are hard to win when you’re in front,” said the coach. “You’re expected to win and the crowd starts going for more pints rather than watch the rugby.
“We managed to keep the energy up and stop the Mexican wave about halfway round the stadium, so we’re pleased with that.”
Hours earlier Jones had not been in joking mood as he looked around for a new captain and playmaker after Farrell’s fate was confirmed.
He confirmed his line-up only 80
minutes before kick-off, throwing the armband to Courtney Lawes
and handing a start at fly-half to fullback George Furbank.
“It was stressful,” admitted two-try scorer Jonny May. “It is hard enough preparing for a Test match without all (of that).
“I was worried coming down to breakfast that the game might not be on if we had had a few more positives.to perform under those conditions and distractions is credit to the team.”
Furbank actually did a tidy job in marshalling England to a 29-3 lead at half-time, helped by a sensational try-saving tackle by Lawes.
When Ben Youngs capped a fine individual display with his second try from long range, Smith took over.
Henry Slade glided out of his own 22 before finding the young fly-half, haring up in support, to finish the job from halfway.
Smith landed all his kicks and before he was done twice popped up in a move which saw supersub Jamie Blamire score a minute from time.
England were helped by Tonga playing for 30 minutes with 14 men after wings Solomone Kata andwalter Fifita were each sent to the cooler andviliami Fine was red carded late on.
But it affected the margin rather than the outcome.
The Wallabies now await.
And Smith, on this evidence, is ready.