1
'Sam Simmonds could end up starting for the Lions and not get picked for England' - Twitter reacts to brothers' display
By Ian Cameron
If ever the Simmonds brothers wanted to send a message to England head coach Eddie Jones, then this was the weekend.
ADVERTISEMENT
And that’s more or less exactly what Sam and Joe Simmonds did.
The brothers were two of the major exclusions from Jones’ Autumn Nations Squad, a decision that left many pundits scratching their heads. Exeter Chiefs’ most prolific sibling pairing have been playing out of their boots and were lynchpins in Exeter’s double-winning exploits in the season just past.
Last night the pair put on a remarkable performance in Exeter Chief’s opening game of the season away to Harlequins at The Stoop – Sam’s explosive, all-court game, in particular, catching the eye. A 21st minute 50-metre solo effort in which the No.8 gassed the covering defence before sliding over the line was the highlight.
Sam Simmonds picking up exactly where he left off! ?
The Simmonds brothers combine for a beautiful @ExeterChiefs score!#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/usQGqSzwfO
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 20, 2020
He was of course put into space by brother Joe.
British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts posed the possibility that Sam could star for the Lions without playing for England in the preceding Test season. ‘Sam Simmonds could well end up starting for the Lions and not get picked for England!’
Sam Simmonds could well end up starting for the Lions and not get picked for England!
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) November 20, 2020
Popular pundit and former England prop David Flatman Tweeted: “Sam Simmonds is absolute levels. Reckon he’d carve up for England.”
Sam Simmonds is absolute levels. Reckon he’d carve up for England.
— David Flatman (@davidflatman) November 20, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Even Chiefs teammate Jack Nowell, who would have been on England duty if it were not for injury, got in on the act:
Sam Simmonds, ok then!!! pic.twitter.com/tbe7yH08JS
— Jack Nowell (@nowellsy15) November 20, 2020
Commentator Nick Mullins tweeted: “If you’re playing No8 for England this weekend, or covering on the bench, you’re a bloody good player to be more effective than Sam Simmonds.”
If you’re playing No8 for England this weekend, or covering on the bench, you’re a bloody good player to be more effective than Sam Simmonds.
— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) November 20, 2020
Regular RugbyPass contributor Alex Shaw pointed to the fickle nature of England fans and selection, implying they couldn’t have it all their own way.
“England fans: it’s a travesty Jack Willis isn’t included.
“Also England fans: it’s a travesty Sam Simmonds isn’t included.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Also England fans: Ben Earl does things no other back row can do.
“Also England fans: Curry and Underhill is the best flank pairing in world rugby.”
England fans: it’s a travesty Jack Willis isn’t included.
Also England fans: it’s a travesty Sam Simmonds isn’t included.
Also England fans: Ben Earl does things no other back row can do.
Also England fans: Curry and Underhill is the best flank pairing in world rugby.
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) November 20, 2020
Will Greenwood wrote: “Brilliant from Sam Simmonds tonight. Picked the gap, stayed in control of his speed, saw the space, didn’t panic, trusted his pace, ran an arc like a 200m runner. Absolute class.
Exeter Chiefs’ Premiership is back with a bang.”
Brilliant from @samsimmonds_ tonight. Picked the gap, stayed in control of his speed, saw the space, didn’t panic, trusted his pace, ran an arc like a 200m runner. Absolute class. @ExeterChiefs Premiership is back with a bang. pic.twitter.com/YLsOGQeNyi
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) November 20, 2020
Robert Kitson chimed in: “Let’s just say Sam Simmonds looks an international-class player to me…”
Let's just say Sam Simmonds looks an international-class player to me…
— Robert Kitson (@robkitson) November 20, 2020
RugbyPass columnist Andy Goode could resist a dig at Jones in the form of a GIF:
https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1329909043067047940
Watch the Gallagher Premiership on BT Sport. Click here to buy now.
