Brian Moore on Simmonds, Dombrant and Billy

I've copied this from the Telegraph this morning.  As an aside we are often accused that we play a boring one dimensional game but as BM points out to employ Sam at his best he needs to be in a team playing an expansive game!

Eddie Jones has a problem; actually, he has lots of problems, but one in particular – who does he pick at number eight for the forthcoming autumn internationals?

This position has particular significance for several reasons, and you will struggle to find an effective team, past or present, without an outstanding number eight. Not only do they hold together the back row, they also control scrum ball. The size and athleticism of the player can make an enormous difference to lineout options, and they are expected to be an effective ball carrier and support runner.

There is no strict template for an outstanding number eight; they achieve what is required in diverse ways. Contrast Springbok, Duane Vermeulen, and All Black, Kieran Reid, and you get the point. The former has a game that in all facets features brutish strength and power; the latter is more wiry but highly mobile and the more dexterous ball player.

As Jones watched the weekend’s Premiership games, he cannot have missed the performances turned in by England’s three leading contenders at number eight. Fortunately, they all looked on form, but he has to make his choice against the background of the rapidly approaching Rugby World Cup. In terms of preparation, Jones should be nearing the end of his experimentation phase.

Consider what we, and Jones, already know. Saracens’ Billy Vunipola is a world class number eight, although he has not played like one for nearly two seasons. Some of this is due to the pandemic, and some because he has not played enough top-flight rugby due to Sarries’ relegation.

When Jones’ side reached the last World Cup final, Vunipola’s ball carrying was pivotal to their success. He was the one player that could be relied upon to get the ball over the gain-line, and the metres he made after tackles constantly made defences retreat and advanced the offside line. The difference that makes to an attack is everything. Without it, you have static ball and a set defence; with it, all things become possible against a scrambling defence, that necessarily leaves mismatches, overlaps and space.

Jones has shown loyalty to his leading players; some have said too much. He does not have to abandon players like Vunipola, but it is time for him to look at either, and preferably both, Sam Simmonds of Exeter and Alex Dombrandt of Harlequins.

It did not go unnoticed that Simmonds was considered good enough to be called up for the British and Irish Lions, when he was not an England starter. With him you have far less bulk, but a lot more speed and an eye for a try. He added a couple more to his impressive total on Saturday, but to accommodate his style of play England need to play with greater fluidity.

Simmonds’ forte is not trucking the ball up from a standing start and England’s recent poor form would not have been solved just by his inclusion. The problem of slow ball and too little momentum was down to several players and an overall inability to vary the point of contact. Whether it is club or international rugby, running straight into set defences, with no variety or questions posed of tacklers rarely ends progress. To see Simmonds at his best, England need to use him as the All Blacks used Reid, carrying in the wide channels. If they do this his speed will create problems, but it will require a tactical shift which Jones might not be willing to consider.

When it comes to Dombrandt, Jones has seen him on the field for Quins and up close in England camps. What is unapparent is why Jones sees no place for his mix of abilities. It is said that his physique is not that of a classical athlete, but Vunipola is no different. He does not have Simmonds’ speed, but like the great Dean Richards, it is remarkable that he is always near the action.

Dombrandt’s full range of skills showed in his man-of-the-match performance on Friday against Bristol. His presence over the ball created crucial turnovers, but it was his offloading ability that shone. The one that put Marcus Smith into the clear, saw him offer to pass with his right hand and then transfer and pass the ball with his left – sublime.

Offloads are difficult to fashion, especially at international level, where defences are far better and the margins for error much reduced. However, when you make them, even the best defences cannot cope. Any player that regularly makes offloads is likely to be a game-winner and will attract multiple defenders, which leaves space elsewhere – much like New Zealand’s Sonny-Bill Williams.

Jones should choose Simmonds and Dombrandt in his match-day squads. We know about Vunipola; it is time to find out about his challengers.