GOLDEN BOY Marcus Smith has been given the chance to lead England to the 2023 World Cup after being named in Eddie Jones' autumn internationals squad.
And as fly-half Smith was toasting his dream call-up, the likes of axed George Ford, Jamie George, Jack Nowell, Dan Robson and the Vunipola brothers were all fearing the end of their Test careers.
Twice-capped no.10 Smith, who was born in the Philippines, earned a shock Lions call-up whilst PLAYING at Twickenham this summer.
And boss Jones also reckons the talented playmaker can be just as good as the like of All Blacks stars Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.
He said: "We are looking for him to continue to develop his game and you’ve just got to see the way that Barrett and Mo’unga are playing for the All Blacks, what’s needed in a modern day 10.
"A 10 that can take the line on, can be aggressive, know when to hold his depth, and be an extra man in defence.
"And that’s what we’re looking for him to develop his game."
Jones called on four uncapped players with Nic Dolly, Tommy Freeman, Mark Atkinson and Raffi Quirke all set for Test debuts at Twickenham next month.
With Owen Farrell continuing as skipper he will have to make do with a place at inside centre yet again.
Smith will start Tests against Tonga, Australia and South Africa at fly half with Harry Randall set to be his half-back partner.
Sam Simmonds also gets another shot at the no.8 spot with Billy Vunipola ditched.
There is also no place for centres Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant, flanker Lewis Ludlow, prop Beno Obano or winger Louis Lynagh.
Speaking about his 34-man squad as a whole, Jones said: “This is a young but very good, talented squad who have all earned their places.
"It is one of the most competitive squads I have ever picked.
“There are a number of disappointed players who haven’t been selected, but they know what they need to do and no door is closed to any player.
“We’re looking forward to three tough Test matches. Tonga always play a strong, physical game and Australia and South Africa have had extended periods together and will be a good challenge for us.
“Our aim each week will be to get better and better as we work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2023.”
FORWARDS
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 31 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 33 caps)
Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 1 cap)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 48 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 87 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 72 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
BACKS
Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 8 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 66 caps)
Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)
Source: Read Full Article
