Baxter expects response from Simmonds

By Mark Stevens
3/11/21

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter believes Sam Simmonds will feature for England during this Autumn Nations Series, despite the all-action back-row being released back to his club ahead of Saturday’s opening test against Tonga at Twickenham.

The 27-year-old was recalled by Eddie Jones for the first time in three years following a successful summer tour away with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa - and after his record-breaking exploits of last season in the Gallagher Premiership.

However, his wait to add to his seven England caps - the last of which was won in March 2018 - will have to wait for another week after Jones released him from camp on Wednesday, thus making him potentially available for inclusion in Exeter’s squad to face Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership at Sandy Park on Saturday (5:30pm).

Speaking at his weekly media briefing this morning, Baxter spoke about how Simmonds had reacted in the wake of his release by Jones.

“I have only just seen him this morning [Wednesday], he only got released last night,” said Baxter. “To me, he seems frustrated and a bit annoyed, which he should be. He wants to play so I expect those emotions but, at the same time, he also looks like he completely understands what he wants to do this weekend and what he needs to do to give himself the best opportunity to be involved next week (against Australia).

“He will go back into camp on Sunday and he has got every opportunity to play next week. You have got to keep looking forward as an athlete and as a player. There is no point reflecting too long on this week, he has got to move forward to next week as quick as he can

“Sam has had his review and I get the impression that Eddie is actually pretty happy with him. From what Sam said he has trained well, it’s just he has missed out this time around but has every opportunity to play in the next couple of games. I don’t think there is any major fault, it’s just time in the squad and some little improvements and work-ons within how England play. Sam has discussed it with me and has discussed it with Eddie and I don’t think there is any more than that.”

Baxter added: “I can’t tell you how Eddie Jones is looking at this series, I can’t tell you whether he has got any pre-planning based around how he is looking at combinations of players and I can’t tell you what he is seeing when he is watching the players train. Yes, I was expecting Sam to be involved but I can’t say any more than that really.

“As head coaches and directors of rugby and selectors, we all look at different things and see different things and have different plans… For me, it is just one of those things. He is back, he has told me he is ready to play, ready to be involved this weekend, so we will probably look to involve him in some capacity.

“Hopefully, he understands that by performing well he might have a better opportunity to get into the (Test) starting line-up than someone who is sitting on the bench for England this week. That is the reality, that is how it can work and that is very much how he has got to take it.”