LIST: Four players Eddie Jones MUST call-up after Wales defeat

Saturday, 27 February 2021 at 21:10

byRugby Rucker

Here, we list four players England head coach Eddie Jones should call-up following the dismal 40-24 defeat against Wales today.

1. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)

Age: 26
Position: Number 8

He’s a bit of a renegade but, with 12 tries in the Premiership already, the calls for an international recall continue to grow. Hopefully talent prevails, but in this case it’s more likely that Eddie Jones ignores fans and carries on with Vunipola. The Saracens back-rower was sin-binned against Scotland and was poor against Italy and Wales. Please finally do the right thing Eddie!

DID YOU KNOW? After graduating through their academy, Simmonds made his Exeter Chiefs debut in November 2012

2. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)

Age: 23
Position: Flanker/Number 8

A player that does provide the weight at the back of the scrum that Jones wants to see is Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt, but the 23-year-old has not been able to convince the Australian to give him a run out despite being called up in the Autumn. Mark Wilson didn't offer enough dynamism in Cardiff - something Dombrandt has in abundance.

DID YOU KNOW? He played for Wales under 20s in the 2017 Six Nations, qualifying as a resident student at a Welsh university. However he has no birth, family or residency qualifications to play for Wales at Test level

3. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)

Age: 21
Position: Fly-half

Despite his stellar form for Harlequins, he’s since been in the international wilderness with no sign of a recall from Eddie Jones. However, following Owen Farrell’s recent performance against Scotland, it’s clear as day that England need a more creative number 10 to orchestrate the attack. George Ford is yesterday's news and has been for some time.

DID YOU KNOW? Smith picked up the game of rugby union at the age of seven with Centaurs RFC when his family moved to Singapore from the Philippines

10226666666666666x767 origin 0x0 harlequins fly half marcus smith

4. Pier O'Conor (Bristol Bears)

Age: 25
Position: Centre

The speedster was in scintillating form for the Bears in January as his club won all three matches, beating Newcastle Falcons, champions Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby to end the month top of the Gallagher Premiership table earning the praise of BT Sport’s Ugo Monye. The England midfield has been useless at best during the 2021 Six Nations.

DID YOU KNOW? O’Conor is qualified to play international rugby for Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and England