Neil Back defends Jones decision to leave Sam Simmonds out... - Ruck

Neil Back defends Jones decision to leave Sam Simmonds out…

England legend Neil Back has defended Eddie Jones decision to keep Exeter star Sam Simmonds on the sidelines despite his red hot Gallagher Premiership form.

The 26-year-old Simmonds was last capped by England in March 2018 and despite the recent clamour to see him back involved at Test level, he continues to be overlooked by Jones who has stuck by Billy Vunipola as his preferred choice at No8. 

The likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Clive Woodward, Austin Healey and many more have all backed him for a recall to the squad

However, 66-cap Back still isn’t convinced despite an incredible montage of his tries this season being shared on the BT Sport twitter account.

He wrote: “They’d better include examples of all facets of Sam’s play too as tries alone do not present enough evidence and the full excellent case he’s making for his inclusiom.

“Lineout attack & defence would be compromised…but would other attributes make up for this, these are the things Eddie Jones needs to way up.”

Back was one of England’s outstanding players during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, scoring two tries along the way and played his last game for England in their victory over Australia in World Cup Final 2003

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Pat Lam

Lam’s impact on Bristol Bears has been no mean feat despite their big money recruits.

His ability to forge a strong team of talents to work together has helped take the Bears from the Championship to the top of the Premiership.

The Auckland-born 52-year-old took the club up from the second tier in his first season at the club, and they have gone on to establish themselves at the top end of the top tier, even winning the 19/20 European Challenge Cup in October last year.

He has clearly handed the potential egos of what is something of a ‘galactico’ squad – could this translate into success with England if he took the role?

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