Uncapped Fin Smith has already had a successful season with Northampton Saints. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Eddie Jones, the former England head coach, compared uncapped Fin Smith to Owen Farrell and believes he has all the necessary skills to step up to the test rugby faster than Marcus Smith, his rival for the number 10 shirt.
Speaking to the Telegraph Rugby Podcast from Italy, where Jones is assisting Benetton coach Fabio Ongaro before watching the national side's Six Nations opener against Steve Borthwick's England on Saturday, the Australian said Fin Smith's potential shows he has the quality , allowing you to quickly take a leading position. this sport differs from the more «instinctive» midfielders.
Jones even compared the Northampton Saints number 10 to England's record points scorer Farrell, the man he named captain in 2018 and who retired. from the national debt after the World Cup last autumn.
“[Fin Smith] had just moved to Northampton when I was about to leave and was showing signs of developing his game,” Jones said. “He has a good skill set, good game, a very mature, calm player.
Without Marcus Smith In England's first match due to injury, 21-year-old Fin Smith is set to make his debut in Rome. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
“[He's] one of those young 10-year-olds who seems to already have experience. , sounds a bit like Pharrell. He's likely to transition to Test rugby quicker than more instinctive No 10s like Richie Mo'unga or Marcus Smith.»
An uncapped Fin Smith could continue his special season at Northampton by making his international debut, having recently impressed in his club's Champions Cup victory over Munster as Marcus Smith was ruled out of Saturday's match in Rome with a calf injury in training. Monday.
«Owen is one of the greatest players in our game»
Jones also said Farrell's decision to decline selection, citing his and his family's mental health as the reason for his decision, was a «sad indictment of how we operate as a society.» The pair remained in touch and exchanged text messages following Farrell's decision, with the midfielder having since signed with Racing 92 next season to finish out his England career, now after 112 caps and over 1,200 points for his country. .
“You couldn’t find a more dedicated, hard-working and diligent player than Owen Farrell,” Jones said. “He is one of the top three scorers of all time and one of the greatest players in our game. We don't know the reason why he dropped out, but we do know what happened during the World Cup when he was constantly booed by the fans. There was context that he was booed even by some of his own fans.
“He and his family were attacked on social media, for what? Because he is a strong and dedicated player. It doesn't sit well.»
In Farrell's absence, Fin Smith is one of seven players in Borthwick's cap-free squad, which will be led by Jamie George, whom Jones supported as England captain.
Eddie Jones believes Jamie George, who has taken over as captain in Owen Farrell's absence, will get the best out of the team. Photo: Peter Ciborra/Reuters
“Steve faces an inevitable task: rebuilding England in a climate of high expectations and high demands. I am confident that he will do a good job and Jamie will do a good job helping the team succeed,” Jones said.
“This team has actually been in a transition period since 2021 and it has been a long transition period. You have to congratulate the players for what they did at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. I think they played some really good, tough English rugby. And I'm confident they will do it in the Six Nations and Jamie will get the most out of the team.»
Now in charge of Japan after the ill-fated match with Australia which saw the Wallabies eliminated from the World Pool Championship for the first time, Jones added that he won't be watching Stan Sport's upcoming Wallabies documentary. ' time at the tournament in France.
“I don’t care, it’s all history. I probably won't watch it. I moved on,” Jones said of the documentary. “In rugby, if you keep wanting to go back or move on from what you were, you are not treated well at all. I need to move on. I had time, I tried it. I take full responsibility and move on, but I don't want to look back now.”
A well-known Australian problem that Jones mentioned after his departure was the lack of funding due to the Super Rugby franchise. The Melbourne Rebels announce on Monday they are moving into voluntary administration. Rugby Australia has intervened to ensure that both men's and women's teams can play in the 2024 season.
Read more about Jones' long-term plans for Japan ahead of the two Tests against England this year and his forecast for who wins the 2024 Six Nations, listen to the latest episode of the Telegraph rugby podcast.
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