Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Spink

Freddie Steward can be an England great if he flies high and keeps feet on ground

Freddie Steward has been told he can be an England great if he continues to fly high - whilst keeping his feet on the ground.

The 6’5 fullback was hailed by Eddie Jones as the best Red Rose No.15 since Mike Brown after his man-of-the-match display against Australia.

On only his fourth start, his first against tier one opposition, the 20-year old scored a try and was solid under the high ball.

“I haven't seen an English full-back as courageous in the air like him since Mike Brown,” said Jones. “If he keeps his feet on the ground he could have a great career.”

Jones said the same about Marcus Smith a week ago and talked himself into bother by using Emma Raducanu as an example of how young stars can get distracted.

“I won’t make any analogical statements because I will get in too much trouble,” he added. “But it is hard for these young players.

Steward (second left) during pre-match anthems (REUTERS/Tony Obrien)

“We have to try to help him manage his distractions because he is going to be the talk of the town."

Smith and Owen Farrell combined well for Steward’s try and Jones compared their new partnership to “two opening batsman who haven't batted together and are facing the new ball for the first time”.

Farrell hurt his ankle and could miss the South Africa game in which Jones is demanding a big finish to the autumn campaign.

Marcus Smith evades a tackle from Len Ikitau with Jonny May in support (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)


“It’s like you go out on a date with a girlfriend,” he said. “The night finishes well and you can’t wait for the next date.

“We want to make sure the guys have that feeling so they can’t wait to get back into camp for the Six Nations.”

ENGLAND - Tries: Steward, Blamire. Cons: Farrell, Smith. Pens: Farrell 5, Smith.

AUSTRALIA - Pens: O’Connor 5.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.