Spencer: Eddie’s told me what he wants

DISCARDED England No.9 Ben Spencer admits improved decision-making holds the key to him having a realistic shot at making next year’s World Cup. Twice capped during June’s tour of South Africa, Saracens man Spencer was a surprising omission this autumn, with Eddie Jones preferring Dan Robson for September’s training camp before recalling Spencer’s veteran clubmate, Richard Wigglesworth. However, Spencer, 26, candidly concedes his form had been sub-standard, telling The Rugby Paper: “You’ve got to earn your way into the England squad and going on tour during the summer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be involved in the autumn. “It’s been a bit frustrating, especially at the start of the season where my game just wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I felt really good coming into the season but I was probably trying a bit too hard instead of just playing my rugby. “I spoke to Eddie before the autumn and he gave me a few things to work on, so with lads being away this has been a really good time to knuckle down and get on with what he said. “It’s around my decision-making, whether to run, pass or kick, which is a big one for me, and after that it’s just around accuracy of skills. Hopefully, my performance against Sale last week was the start of good things and I can take any other chances that come my way. “I enjoyed the tour, learnt a lot and overall thought it went well.” Saracens travel to Leicester today looking to extend an impressive 12-match unbeaten start to the season. Spencer added: “The lads did brilliantly to go unbeaten in the Premiership Cup and beat Sale. Confidence is high. “With guys away on Test duty, others are super-excited about getting their chance.”