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Patience Game: Sub Ben Earl leaning on advice of one of Eddie Jones' previous regular replacements
Ben Earl has been drawing on the experience of Saracens teammate Jamie George as he waits patiently to make his first England start. All six of Earl’s caps have been won off the bench where he has been a fixture since England’s last defeat, against France in February, with Eddie Jones seeing his value as a versatile replacement capable of covering the back row, centre and even wing.
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Blocking his path into the starting XV are outstanding flankers Tom Curry and Sam Underhill and No8 Billy Vunipola, while behind him he is fending off pressure from Jack Willis and Lewis Ludlam.
It is a scenario well known to George, whose first 19 England appearances were as a substitute due to Jones’ preference for captain Dylan Hartley at hooker. His wait lasted two years during which time he had even made three Test starts for the Lions.
“I’m well aware that I haven’t started a Test match yet and it’s something that I’ve got a burning desire to do so fingers crossed it’s not far around the corner,” said Earl, the England sub who is currently on loan at Bristol.
“I have spoken to Jamie a lot about it. He’s a close friend of mine and he’s been brilliant with me. The way Jamie sees it is that you’ve got to get excited about the job that you’re doing at the moment. I know my job and Eddie makes that very clear when I’m on the bench.
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“I guess I’ve just got to get excited about that job and as long as I keep playing well that’s all I can really do. It’s not something that I’m massively frustrated with. You’d be frustrated if people weren’t playing as well as yourself and getting a chance, but everyone’s playing fantastically well.
“They have all got a great past with England, whether that’s at the World Cup or before that, so I know there’s a lot of work to do and I know it doesn’t just get given to you.
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“Eddie’s brilliant in terms of where he feels there’s growth in your game. Defensively you look at Sam Underhill and his combativeness. Tom Curry as well. That’s the level I need to get to. I need to start showing both coaches and opposition that I can get to that level as well.
“I’m obviously picking their brains and working with them a lot in terms of what they do defensively, so hopefully it will start reflecting on to the pitch. But also I’ve got to stay pretty authentic to myself, I’ve got to stay good at what I’m good at and keep working on those strengths as well.”
Earl is the poster boy for Jones’ hybrid player theory, although since recently refloating the idea of interchanging players with the capability to play in the forwards or backs, the England head coach has yet to commit to it on the field.
In training on Tuesday, Earl spent time at inside centre and on the wing, but the 22-year-old is certain of where his speciality lies knowing that his versatility could result in an international career spent on the bench. “First and foremost, I’m an openside a flanker and I’ve got to keep pushing my skills on that position whether it’s defensively or offensively,” said Earl, who has never started in the three-quarters before.
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“If there was a massive injury crisis on matchday and you can slot in to ease the burden, then I’m happy to do that. Obviously, I’m just happy to play in whatever position or capacity, as long as I’m contributing I’m happy.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Forget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
21 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
14 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. Those praising him are a joke.
14 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
21 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
21 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
14 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
21 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
14 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
14 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
21 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
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