DANNY CIPRIANI: Eddie Jones had a SHOCKER taking Marcus Smith off during England’s Six Nations opener with Scotland… if the No 10 had been given the chance to finish the match we would have won!
- England lost 20-17 to Scotland in their Six Nations opener on Saturday afternoon
- Eddie Jones made the decision to take Marcus Smith off when England led 17-10
- Smith – who had scored all 17 of England’s points – was replaced by George Ford
- On paper, bringing on an experienced No 10 like Ford in the final 15 makes sense
- However, Gregor Townsend would not have taken off Finn Russell in that position
- England would have won on Saturday if Smith had the chance to finish the game
As a No 10, the last 20 minutes of a big game is when you earn your money. It’s a chance to really put your stamp on the game and that’s why I was shocked when Eddie Jones brought off Marcus Smith early on Saturday.
If Smith had been given the chance to finish the match, I think England would have won. The whole complexion of the weekend would be very different and nobody would be here now questioning trust or belief.
Smith had scored all of England’s points and was having a growing influence on the team before he was replaced by George Ford. He was just starting to get a foothold in the match and find his flow. He’d spent a good hour building towards that sweet spot.
England coach Eddie Jones had a shocker by deciding to take Marcus Smith off in Scotland
George Ford (right) replaced Smith, however he was unable to give England the same spark
On paper, bringing on an experienced No 10 like Ford to close out the final 15 minutes makes sense. In theory it seems like a move you don’t do if…
Source : dailymail
