Smith scored two tries in a mixed performance against Japan, but could give England adaptability as a bench option
“He’s 15 Tests into his career – he’s going to have a couple of bad ones. Even the best do.”
In this answer, to a question posed to him during Saturday evening’s press huddle, Eddie Jones was actually speaking about Freddie Steward and the remarkably assured start that the 21-year-old full-back has made to his England career. But the message applied just as neatly to Marcus Smith.
Smith bagged two tries against Japan, bringing his personal tally to seven in 15 caps, those scores decorating a 52-13 win that was ultimately comfortable for England. And yet, he will reflect on a mixed performance pockmarked by frustrating moments.
New Zealand and South Africa are next up and it feels as though Jones is at a crossroads. He can either persevere with Smith and Owen Farrell as dual playmakers or drop one of those players from the starting line-up.