The nominated captain by Steve Borthwick, Owen Farrell, is not immune to being dropped, but it certainly makes it more challenging.
However, the question is how Marcus Smith, who is arguably the most talented player of his generation, can regain his position in the England starting line-up.
Jerry Flannery, a former Ireland hooker, described Smith as a “one in a million player,” and England should be focusing on building their team around his skillset.
Smith’s abilities, particularly his agile footwork and dexterity, could revolutionize England’s backline, which has been lackluster for years.
Nonetheless, despite his potential, Farrell and George Ford are the two fly-halves currently training with England.
While Smith is not comparable to the players who have wasted their potential in the past, having already won 19 caps, iit would be a tragedy if his talent were not utilised.
Fans Have Ranked the 5 Biggest Wastes of Talent in England Rugby History
RUCK asked rugby fans to pick the five players they were most hyped for when they were breaking through into the England set-up.
The poll has not finished yet so the results have been taken at the timing of writing.
#5. Christian Wade
- Caps: 1
- Position: Winger
The 2013 British & Irish Lion quit Wasps in order to pursue a lucrative career in the NFL, having grown disillusioned with rugby union.
The speedster was one of the most recognised names in the domestic game, but his continued absence from the international set-up – having won just one England cap on the 2013 tour of Argentina – had left him frustrated and fed up of continuously being overlooked.
What a waste.
