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.
Denne historien er fra June 23, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra June 23, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.