Jones fields young guns at capacity Twickenham – England v Tonga Talking Points

The last time England were roared on by an 82,000 crowd was in March 2020 when Wales were dispatched 33-30.

Published Nov 5, 2021

England open their Autumn Nations Series when they host Tonga at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Pacific Islanders punch above their weight on the international stage but are still regarded by bookmakers as 100/1 underdogs to cause the unlikeliest of upsets.

Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the first of three matches taking place this month for Eddie Jones’ team.

Trouble at fly-half

Marcus Smith (left) and Owen Farrell (right have endured a disrupted build-up to the Tonga game (Steve Haag/PA)

Eddie’s young guns

While Twickenham will most likely have to wait until the second-half to see Smith unless he is chosen to replace Farrell, two other young guns will be on parade from the start as part of Jones’ rebuilding project for France 2023. Adam Radwan is touted as the fastest player in English rugby and marked his only cap, against Canada in July, with a blistering hat-trick. Also lining up in the back three is Freddie Steward, the powerful Leicester full-back who surges through tackles and rules the skies. Both players were blooded in July when senior players were rested and the Lions were on tour in South Africa, so now is their time to really take centre stage.

Six Nations atonement

England suffered their worst Six Nations performance in the spring (Niall Carson/PA)

Welcome back

England have been playing behind either closed doors or with limited fans present since Covid began — England have been playing either behind closed doors or with limited fans present since Covid began (David Davies/PA)

All hail Tonga

All four of England's previous four Tests against Tonga have been at a World Cup — All four of England’s previous Tests against Tonga have taken place during a World Cup (David Davies/PA)