Hard Aground with Eddie Jones by Eddie Jones

Might Lewis Ludlow captain England in his first two appearances and never win another international cap? Could the Newcastle hooker Jamie Blamire score four tries in two Tests and never be seen at this level again? Jones, after all, was conservative in his selection during the catastrophic Six Nations campaign. Indeed, the danger is that a number of this summer’s fresh faces descend into quiz-question obscurity. And for all that the new caps provide an air of excitement, it must be said that England’s best two performers this summer have been Sam Underhill and Ellis Genge – two of the most senior members of the squad.

Is Jones finally ready to dispense with Ben Youngs and opt for the more dynamic Harry Randall? Alex Dombrandt enjoyed a relatively quiet debut against Canada and while it is safe to suggest he will win plenty more caps it would be a fool who bets against Billy Vunipola starting.

Marcus Smith has impressed in his two starts and played with a degree of freedom – if not the abandon that he does with Harlequins – but has he displaced George Ford as Jones’s first choice? The question then, is whether change is permanent or illusory and, when England next run out at Twickenham in November, Jones’s team selection will be significant as to his plans for the World Cup. “It would be premature to say we’ve got outstanding depth after two wins over the USA and Canada though.” “The big thing for us now is how many of these players are prepared to work really hard to be the best, the master craftsmen of their position,” said Jones. Given their limited buildup, the USA really had no right to score four tries and though there was considerably more cohesion in the 10-try thrashing of Canada, they are at their lowest ebb for quite some time. Sixteen new caps and a new-look, albeit temporary, coaching staff certainly suggest change is in the air but it has been instructive to hear Jones try to keep a lid on things after high-scoring victories against significantly inferior opposition. He has given his squad that label this summer, repeatedly urging those for whom the international stage is new to seize their opportunity, to make the jersey their own, to ensure the senior players away with the British & Irish Lions, or given a few extra weeks off, have a fight on their hands next season. I t is unclear whether Eddie Jones wants to change the world but he is looking for a new England.

Hard Aground with Eddie Jones by Eddie Jones