'Poor Defender, Can't Kick' – Pundit Tears Into Marcus Smith
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England finally put an end to their five-match losing run in emphatic fashion, dismantling Eddie Jones’ Japan with a nine-try showcase at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
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Steve Borthwick's side celebrated their first and only win of a turbulent Autumn Nations Series, having fallen short in nail-biting clashes against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
Marcus Smith: Maverick or misfit?
Despite flashes of brilliance, Marcus Smith's performances have sparked fierce debate among pundits. Touted by some as England's standout player this autumn, others remain unconvinced.
Veteran rugby journalist Stephen Jones didn't mince his words, writing:
"Rave reviews? Raving reviews? This autumn, there are few fly halves who would have got less out of the back division than Marcus.
“The odd eye-catching play is all very well, but it's abundantly clear that England's backs are struggling to function alongside him.
“He makes errors, is a poor defender, not a great kicker, and struggles to close out winnable games. Owen Farrell could easily have nursed England to two wins from three this autumn."
Lawrence Dallaglio: Time for the Smiths?
England legend Lawrence Dallaglio had a different take, advocating for more depth at fly-half:
"I feel it should be one of the Smiths — either Marcus or Fin. I'm glad Fin is in the squad for Sunday's game, but he should've been involved all autumn. Marcus is playing very well, but so was Fin for Northampton. I'd have both in the squad."
Stuart Barnes: England’s attacking ace
Meanwhile, Stuart Barnes lauded Smith's creative spark, calling him England's most dangerous attacking weapon:
"Marcus Smith has been England's only outstanding attacker. He's the man for the present and the future. The problem isn't Smith failing to get enough out of his back line — it's the back line struggling to keep up with him. To reconsider the one outstanding attacker because the others are average would be truly bizarre."
Love him or question him, Marcus Smith remains the talk of the town as England's fly-half dilemma shows no signs of easing.
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England's EIGHT worst players during the Autumn Nations Series
England’s Autumn Nations Series has been one to forget, but at least it ended with a bang as Steve Borthwick's men demolished Eddie Jones' Japan 56-7 at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
The nine-try romp may have snapped a painful five-match losing streak, but it wasn't enough to paper over the cracks of a bruising campaign. Close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa left fans and pundits unimpressed.
And it seems The Telegraph wasn't holding back, handing out some savage 5/10 ratings to eight players for their efforts across the series. Harsh? You decide.
Fin Baxter
“Could not quite carry over the momentum he established from the New Zealand tour. Possibly suffering from the equivalent of the tricky second album syndrome.”
Theo Dan
“There's a definite spark when he comes off the bench in terms of his ball-carrying but England's set piece does creak with him on the field.”
Dan Cole
“Like a Clint Eastwood Western character keeps postponing retirement for 'one last job'. England's scrum did wobble when he came on, but Borthwick will be desperate for him to stick around.”
George Martin
“Came in this campaign with minimal game time and it showed as he looked to be struggling to last the pace. Uncharacteristically made a few too many missed tackles.”
Nick Isiekwe
“Made very little impression coming on as a replacement aside from one stolen lineout against Japan. A decent performer in the Premiership but England need more dynamism.”
Alex Dombrandt
“Feels a clear area of upgrade for the Six Nations. Made little impression coming off the bench with his static carry and poor ball presentation leading to George Ford's skewed drop goal.”
George Ford
“The missed drop goal was unfortunate and certainly not all his fault so did not deserve to be booed the following week when the crowd thought he was replacing Smith. Will come again.”
Henry Slade
“Some exquisite touches but never truly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. How many times has that been written of Slade? Also appeared to be involved in several defensive doglegs.”
For the full ratings and context, visit The Telegraph website.
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
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