I think sometimes, we have to check our own bias.
There’s been plenty on here (including me) relentlessly criticising Jones for not selecting fast and exciting players.
For playing too conservatively.
Well now that he is starting to pick those types of player, people seem to be upset before they’ve even seen them play.
If we really do have something special (eg Arundell) surely a summer tour game is the perfect time to find out if he can make the grade in very quick time?
If Jones took him to Australia and then didn’t play him…he would be criticised by just as many people.
I’m withholding judgement. Some people on here would prefer to be proved right rather than potentially watch a new chapter evolve.
Knowing the way Jones obsessively thinks…he might well have had a quick tête-à-tête with Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes to understand how freedom of expression and creativity has allowed English cricket to step up another level in a matter of weeks.
Eddie Jones can’t ignore what’s happening in cricket.
Better lessons there than from Southgate!! So let’s hope Eddie is getting the message.
From The Times
Try wizardry in training earns Henry Arundell a spot on the England bench
Henry Arundell secured his place on England’s bench for the opening Test against Australia by scoring a 90-metre wonder-try in training.
The 19-year-old London Irish full back ran strongly for a solo try from almost his own goalline against Toulon in April during the European Challenge Cup knockout match, an effort that became a viral sensation.
And it was a similar effort in front of Eddie Jones that convinced the head coach to put his “apprentice” into the match-day 23 for Saturday’s first Test.
This is Arundell’s first season as a professional and he has played only 14 senior matches for Irish, scoring seven tries. Jones was given a first-hand taste this week of just why the teenager was named the Gallagher Premiership discovery of the season.
“He’s just scored a try [in training on Wednesday] not many other players in the world would have scored,” Jones said. “It was like a try Bryan Habana used to score — one of those.
“He’s got exceptional pace and if he gets an opportunity against Australia we’re sure he’ll be able to show that pace.”
Jonny Hill, the second-row forward who starts on Saturday, was amazed by the Arundell try. “I was stood in the other 22,” he said.
“It was crazy. I asked him this morning what [speed] he thought he [ran], percentage-wise, and he said 85-90.
“He rounded a couple of lads. I think it was some back-three lads. It was very impressive — he’s a proper rock star, isn’t he? I’m sure he’s going to have a big future.
“The Aussies will have seen that [Toulon] try he scored. Everyone did.”