Max Malins has opened up on being dismissed from England duty by former boss Eddie Jones due to “body language”.
Saracens wing Malins toasted his return to the England side with his first two Test tries in Saturday’s 29-23 defeat by Scotland at Twickenham.
The 26-year-old has latched onto Steve Borthwick’s fresh take on Test management in a revamped England set-up, with Malins’ return one of the eye-catching reversals in comparison to predecessor Jones.
Taskmaster Australian boss Jones dropped Malins from the England squad for the final match of the 2022 Six Nations, citing demeanour as the reason – leaving the versatile back as nonplussed then as he is to this day.
“It was maybe not one that I necessarily understood at the time, but there was a reason given,” said Malins. “It was about my body language in a walk-through, that was the reason given.”
Asked if it was harsh, Malins replied: “Yes, potentially. I had to take that on the chin, reflect on it and move on.
“It was certainly a shock at the time, and you don’t tend to understand it straight away. All you can do is take a step back from it and move forward. I didn’t understand it. I was taken aback by it. I’d like to think my attitude was always there.
“He may have seen something; I’m quite a relaxed guy, not necessarily buzzing around the place all the time. Maybe my relaxed nature put a thought in his head.
“Then I got into the autumn internationals squad in November so I was back in and around.
“It certainly highlighted to me about how quickly it could be taken away and how you should never take being in this environment – playing for England – for granted.
“It certainly stokes something in the belly to push on. This is the pinnacle of an English rugby player’s career, so it certainly gets you revved up again.”
Malins’ experience of Jones’ unpredictable man management chimes with a number of anecdotes from across the highly accomplished but also sharply focused former England coach.
A weekend on the Greek island Mykonos with club mate Ben Earl helped Malins shake off missing out on selection for last summer’s Australia tour.
Jump forward to this Six Nations and Borthwick’s new England set-up, and Malins could not be more complimentary.
He’ll be itching to add to his Six Nations tally when England host Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.
“Steve’s made it clear that we’re here because of club form,” said Malins.
“He asks us to go out there and express what we’re good at. He doesn’t necessarily highlight your downfalls.
“He obviously wants you to make improvements, where you can, but his big thing is asking us to show what we can do and show your strengths. It’s pleasing to hear and gives you confidence as a player.”
