Eddie Jones has declared Marcus Smith ready for the international stage after finally handing the Harlequins fly-half a Test debut against the USA and insisted he had no qualms making Lewis Ludlow England’s first uncapped captain in 37 years on Sunday.
Smith was first called up as an England apprentice in 2017 after Jones was initially alerted to his talents by his godfather when the head coach was in charge of Japan. Smith has appeared against the Barbarians but has been forced to wait for a first cap, with Jones starting either George Ford and Owen Farrell in all but one of his 64 Tests in charge – Danny Cipriani being the solitary exception in 2018.
With Ford rested and Farrell away with the Lions, however, Smith has finally been given his shot after a remarkable season with Harlequins which culminated in another star showing in last weekend’s Premiership final. He is one of eight uncapped players in a youthful side to face the USA, forming an eye-catching halfback partnership with Harry Randall. The 26-year-old flanker Ludlow, meanwhile, becomes only the fifth man to captain England on debut, following in the footsteps of Nigel Melville who did so in 1984.
Jones was quick to temper expectations over Smith – highlighting how he believes Dan Carter did not reach his peak until 35 – but acknowledged the current trends in international rugby favour quick-thinking half-backs such as the 22-year-old No 10 and could do so until the 2023 World Cup.
“He is a bright young talent,” said Jones. “I happen to be a social friend of his godfather who I met in Hong Kong, who told me about him. He definitely had some talent but there are plenty of boys with talent. He has managed to work hard, come up with a game that is in its infancy at the moment but it’s exciting for him to get the opportunity on Sunday. He is ready now.
“There is a greater degree of consistency about his game. His decision making has improved, his effectiveness in defence has improved but he is a very young 10. A No 10 is a bus driver and a conductor. He’s got to make sure that everyone’s playing together, and pick the right route and it’s no different for Marcus.”
Henry Slade is the most senior player in the starting XV, lining up in the centres with Ollie Lawrence, while Joe Cokanasiga and Max Malins are on the wings and Freddie Steward is another debutant at full-back. Ellis Genge, Curtis Langdon and Joe Heyes make up the front row, Charlie Ewels and Josh McNally are the locks and Sam Underhill and Callum Chick join Ludlow in the back row. There are another four uncapped players on the bench with Jones opting for six forwards, revealing he even considered a 7-1 split.
Genge, Underhill, Slade and Ewels appeared more obvious captaincy candidates but Jones insisted: “I had no understanding you had to have a cap to be captain. We select the captain on the basis that he is the best leader of the team, that is why Lewis has got the nod. From our observation we found Lewis to be the most effective club captain. He is a clear communicator, he is a good, sincere person and he is the best person to captain England on Sunday.”
