Chiefs stars ‘burning’ to showcase their qualities
ROB Baxter says the players at Exeter Chiefs are ‘burning’ to prove their star men deserve to be playing for England.
Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie did enough in 22 minutes of the bench in the 33-3 win over Harlequins at The Stoop on Friday night to convince England head coach Eddie Jones he was ready to return to the international set-up after recovering from minor knee surgery, but two of Exeter’s stars remain overlooked.
Number eight Sam Simmonds, 25, scored a hat-trick of tries, including one finish from 48m out, in a complete display of his talents while his younger brother Joe put in another assured performance at fly-half having captained the club to a Heineken Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership double last month.
Joe Simmonds added four out of five conversions from tries from Sam along with Dave Ewers and Stu Townsend.
Sam Simmonds finds himself behind Saracen’s Billy Vunipola in the pecking order for England, with Jones using Bristol Bears’ versatile backrower Ben Earl as a replacement at number eight, or even flanker Tom Curry.
Brother Joe seems even further down the rankings with Saracen’s Owen Farrell, Leicester Tigers’ George Ford, Wasps Jacob Umaga and perhaps even Harlequins’ Marcus Smith all in front of him in Jones’ eyes.
Speaking after the comprehensive victory to take Chiefs top of the table after Round One of the new Gallagher Premiership season, Exeter director of rugby Baxter said: “We think we have got some form players who are here with us and not with England and that burns a little bit.
“There were some points proved there, not just by the individual players but by the whole team and that shows they have got a real caring attitude towards each other by helping create a game which allowed players to show their individual talents and our collective talents.
“We want to be successful together, but we want each other to be successful as well.
“That is a huge part of any team, wanting good things to happen for each other, and that is burning a bit [that Exeter players are not getting that chance at international level] and I don’t mind it burning as long as it is positive.”
Baxter continued: “Sam Simmonds put down a marker out there as he and a number of our players are burning to illustrate what they can do.
“Bit by bit he has got to keep proving to all kinds of selectors and people he has got a place in the team, when he can prove that and someone finds a slot for him to capitalise on his talents, then he can easily have a successful international future.
“There is no criticism of Eddie Jones but players can’t sit and wait. All they can do is keep putting their name in the hat and wait for your turn to happen.”
“Sam and Joe have both had great seasons, they are on the up and they are on form at the moment. I am always going to back my players because I watch what they do every day and see what they do every week. I don’t see what happens in the England camp.”
Exeter currently have three men in the England 25-man squad preparing to face Wales on Saturday in hooker Cowan-Dickie, centre Henry Slade and lock Jonny Hill.
Chiefs host Bath Rugby this weekend with kick-off at 5.30pm.