But Charlie Ewels’ red card put another spanner in the works of the tour with the lock almost certain to be banned for the rest of the trip.
Smith got the nod ahead of his namesake Fin and, with George Ford injured and Owen Farrell off limits, took his chance almost perfectly with a try part of a 13-point haul and a yellow card the only black mark. He was shown yellow for a late challenge on Japan full-back Yoshitaka Yazaka after 54 minutes when he was affected by cramp and Fin Smith was put on as soon as the sinbin had elapsed.
The Harlequin was given an open goal against a Japan side, with Eddie Jones’ first 23 in the first game of his second stint in charge of the Brave Blossoms containing eight debutants. He flourished in the heat of Tokyo, against a fairly callow side, now the acid test is whether he can do it against the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland where the conditions will be on the other end of the spectrum.
Smith had managed to amass 32 caps before yesterday without nailing down the fly-half berth although he has only started there four times under Steve Borthwick. In every camp he has been in the shadow of either Farrell or Ford, or both, but yesterday he as given licence to run the show – albeit not against the world’s strongest side.
And he looked a man on a mission as he helped England get through a rocky first 15 minutes when they were all at sea against a Japanese side playing at high tempo. You can think what you like about Eddie Jones but he knows how to coach a rugby team and he sent his latest crew out with a clear plan.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 23, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 23, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.