In 2002 an England XV played the Barbarians at Twickenham. In that game a young James Simpson-Daniel produced one of the most audacious pieces of skill seen by an England player for some years. He sold a dummy to himself then scorched past Jonah Lomu no less to score a sensational try. Later that year he lined up against the All Blacks and then Australia in successive weeks, creating two tries against the latter opponents. It seemed that England had unearthed a potential superstar, a player who would surely become a mainstay of the side.
Six years later on, Simpson-Daniel can count his England caps on his fingers. Blighted by first illness (he contracted glandular fever after the 2002 Australia game) then numerous injuries, his England career seems destined to never be fulfilled.
The latest snub came today. Omitted from the England 22 to face Scotland after being called up on Sunday. One can only imagine what he thought about being summoned by Brian Ashton to hold tackle bags for his Gloucester mates Vainikolo and the prima-donna Balshaw.
It is odd because when he is fit and playing well (as he is now) Simpson-Daniel has few peers in the England game. He is lightning quick (both off the mark and over distance), deceptively strong, tackles above his size and sees things few other players can see. OK, he lacks a kicking game of any real description but that did not stop Josh Lewsey getting 50 caps.
Simpson-Daniel is also one of the few players England have who would appear to fit the perceived Ashton “way” of playing. Yet he is overlooked. Why? It cannot be his suspect injury record. If tendency to get injured was a criteria for non-selection then Wilkinson, Moody and Balshaw would never see another England cap!
It seems that some naturally gifted sportsmen are simply distrusted in England. Think of Matt Le Tissier. I have never seen a more gifted footballer. Week in week out he performed miracles for Southampton and yet he was always overlooked by England. It seems Simpson-Daniel will go the same way.
Jonny Wilkinson was drafted in young, but he was never a natural talent. He was a product of sheer will and hard work, more Bjorn Borg than John McEnroe. Danny Cipriani has forced his way into the England team as he seems simply too good to ignore (and yet even here Ashton’s hand has been forced). I would also bet that if Cipriani endures a torrid time at Murrayfield this coming weekend, it might be a while before he is seen again for England (Matthew Tait anyone?).
I wonder what would have happened if Simpson-Daniel had not fallen ill after that Australia match in 2002. Would he have been in the 22 that night a year later when Jonny landed that famous drop goal? Would he now be a fifty cap maestro, England’s answer to Matt Giteau? Who knows.
Simpson-Daniel still has time on his side (he is only 25), but unless injury to others gives him a chance for a change, then I fear another great talent will go unfulfilled.
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