Eddie Jones says that Marcus Smith, England’s fly-half, could be “an absolutely brilliant 10”, but that Owen Farrell is needed to “run the match for him”.
Farrell is keeping the captaincy while George Ford was again overlooked. Smith and Farrell will be playing alongside one another this Six Nations.
Jones said, “Every brilliant 10 in history of the game was accompanied by a steady 12.”
“That’s what I believe we need, and Owen brings it at 12.
Jones added to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast: “His [Farrell’s]Marcus will be sorely affected by Marcus’s reading and his ability to take the pressure off him.
Smith led Harlequins in June to the Premiership title. Smith made his England debut the month after, and he started twice in autumn against Australia, South Africa, and Farrell.
“He [Farrell]Jones stated that Marcus will be an important player.”
“Marcus might be a brilliant 10 but he needs a guy beside him who will run the game for his benefit – that’s where Owen comes in.”
Jones believes Farrell is still the right person to lead the side, despite his poor form over the last two years and the lack of game time since the fall.
Jones stated that “what we saw in November with Owen was really positive. He came back in refreshed.”
“And remember, those Saracens blokes were having a tough time. It was something I didn’t really appreciate as much as it should have. They could have come back in the Six Nations, I thought. [in 2021]They could play at their best, which I underestimated.
“Now is the time for those players to return. We saw it in November with Jamie George, how positive it was for him to return, and Owen proved that in the Australia game.
“I have no doubt Owen will continue to play well in the Six Nations,” said Owen.
Farrell will be making his comeback from injury in Saracens’ match against London Irish this weekend. If he proves his fitness, he will begin at Murrayfield when England tries to regain Calcutta Cup.
Smith and Farrell are likely to form a new combination that will see the Harlequins’ Joe Marchant and Luke Northmore (uncapped) vying for the slot at the outside-centre.
Jones said, “There’s no reason Slade shouldn’t play 13 Joe Marchant is improving, and we are impressed with the young Harlequins Nordmore player, who has come from the drinking bars at Cardiff Metropolitan University to discover his rugby.”
“I’m certain every club is looking at the bars of Cardiff Met University!”