1
Jones excited by 'great discovery' Simmonds
By Peter Thompson
Eddie Jones feels England have unearthed a "great discovery" in the shape of Sam Simmonds after his outstanding Six Nations debut in a 46-15 drubbing of Italy.
Simmonds grasped his opportunity with both hands after starting at number eight in the absence of the injured Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes at Stadio Olimpico.
The pacy back-row scored a second-half double and also provided an assist in a superb all-round display in Rome, where Anthony Watson (two), Owen Farrell, George Ford and Jack Nowell also went over.
Jones was delighted with the impact Simmonds made in his tournament bow after watching his side start the defence of their title with a bonus-point win.
"When the game opened up he was in his element," said the England head coach. "He's got gas and he does all our speed work with the backs as he's that quick.
"He's a great discovery for us, he gives us great options at number eight."
Italy made a game of it before tiring late on, England taking advantage by scoring three tries in the last 13 minutes.
"It's a very positive start," said Jones.
"We always knew it was going to be a tough game, they played exceptionally well and full credit to Italy. Conor O'Shea is doing a great job coaching them and it was a good tough game of rugby and we ran away with it in the end."
England's victory may have come at a cost, as scrum-half Ben Youngs suffered a knee injury in the first half.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to comments