It is a minor mystery why the full-back has had to wait so long into the tournament to be given a start by Eddie Jones
Picking England’s rugby team is never an exact science and, latterly, Eddie Jones’s alchemist’s touch has deserted him. Too often he has either opted to stick with out-of-form regulars for slightly too long or not picked younger players when the opportunity has arisen. Giving a start to Max Malins at full-back should have happened at least a month ago, if not longer.
With the championship already beyond their grasp it could be argued a lack of selectorial nettle-grasping, as much as anything, has been at the root of England’s winter problems. Nothing against Elliot Daly, who has enjoyed some great moments with both
England and the
British &
Irish Lions, but why Malins did not wear the 15 jersey against
Italy last month remains one of life’s minor mysteries.