In a win over Italy on Saturday that was nothing short of a formality, Eddie Jones will be pleased with certain aspects of the game. He had a chance to try out new combinations and tweak players positionally, which certainly paid off. However, the performances of some of his regulars will please him a lot as well.
Hooker Jamie George’s miss pass at the beginning of the second-half for Manu Tuilagi’s try was one thing that would have left quite a smile on Jones’ face. The Saracen cut out two players in a sublime 15 metre pass off his left hand for Tuilagi on the touchline.
It has been said many times in jest that George would not be out of place in the backs, and these hands are testament to that claim. While this may not be his most outrageous try assist in an England shirt, after his grubber kick against Australia in 2016, but it nonetheless marks him out as one of the most skilful front-row players in the world.
WATCH: Danny Cipriani outrageous long pass sets up Charlie Sharples
It’s a pass that All Black Dane Coles or former teammate Schalk Brits would be proud of, and it is no surprise that England decided to post this try online from all angles, as they moved the ball two-thirds of the width of the pitch in three passes.
The debate over whether George should start ahead of a fit Dylan Hartley will continue right up until the World Cup, but there is no doubt that this is something he can do which the England captain cannot.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
How will you watch the next Rugby World Cup? Enter for a chance to win £100
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WH2MFM3
Sign In