England need a new captain for the Six Nations, and Jamie George is a ready-made replacement for Owen Farrell.
Talismanic fly-half Farrell will miss the European tournament in February and March, after taking a break to protect his mental health.
Saracens star Farrell became England’s record points scorer at the World Cup in France, just two months ago, eclipsing Jonny Wilkinson’s tally and etching his name into the Red Rose annals.
The 32-year-old had to contend with the ugly side of professional sport at the same time however, as social media abuse led to loud booing at England matches.
Much of the pantomime-style barracking from crowds in France appeared to be started by disgruntled Les Bleus supporters, whose side had crashed out of the competition in the quarter-finals.
But some of that vocal criticism was from England fans seeking a different, more expansive attacking style from Steve Borthwick’s team.
Farrell appears a lightning rod for criticism of England, the serial winner’s unruffled, uncomplicated approach at times mistaken for aloofness.
His mastery of Test rugby’s vital tactical and technical rudder leaves him lauded to high heaven by team-mates, peers and rivals however.
A mixed reaction among the rugby public has clearly taken its toll on a quarterback and leader who deserves to be cherished and feted in the same vein as Wilkinson.
All this serves to say that Farrell’s absence leaves myriad voids for England as Borthwick looks to develop his Red Rose tenure.
Just when England need to start layering their attack with finesse and fine-tuning, they can no longer rely on their fulcrum.
However Borthwick looks to offset Farrell’s absence in terms of a backline pilot, the England boss needs to appoint a similarly single-minded new captain and leader.
Marcus Smith and George Ford will battle it out for the keys to England’s backline kingdom, but it should be hooker George who takes the armband.
Saracens stalwart George outranks every other frontline captaincy option in almost every conceivable metric. The 33-year-old commands his place in the starting lineup in a manner unlike any other current England player.
This is a prosaic but important factor in determining a team’s captain: authority is commandeered, not bargained for.
George already leads by word as well as deed, the 85-cap front-rower appearing comfortable voicing his opinions in public and, where required, speaking on behalf of the England players.
"Saracens stalwart George outranks every other frontline captaincy option in almost every conceivable metric"
At the end of England’s World Cup campaign, it was George who urged the RFU to involve the Test players in discussions about the new hybrid contract system that will be ushered in next season.
England’s players want a bigger voice than ever before, and George is comfortable speaking up for the collective. The public-facing duties of the England captaincy must not be underestimated, either.
Farrell’s apparent Test match fatigue could certainly in part be put down to the volume of speaking commitments as much as the spotlight that comes along with them.
Farrell has been more relaxed in press conference and interview settings than ever before in the last 18 months, and the fiercely passionate England star has been respectful and thoughtful in his public communication.
But the extra focus on him has doubtless taken its toll on a man who wants his family life to remain his business and not the preserve of the public arena.
George appears a man at ease with media duties, a confident and adept public speaker who can be robust and forthright without ever losing his calm demeanour.
A self-confessed England supporter who would have been in the Twickenham stands were he not on the field, George’s words also resonate with the fans.
George’s relaxed intensity lends itself perfectly to managing the trickiest element of on-field captaincy – interacting with referees.
All the best captains know exactly how to strike the right tone with the officials, even an arch-intimidator like Martin Johnson.
The art of referee engagement requires increasing subtlety, often where a conciliatory tone and body language can go a long way to gaining that vital edge in influence.
Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje and Sale fly-half Ford will be other front-runners for the England captaincy. George can eclipse them all in managing referees.
Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton was the modern master of commanding referee respect in low-key fashion.
Ireland skipper Rory Best adopted a good cop, bad cop approach as a foil for the intense fury of fly-half and talisman Johnny Sexton, to fine effect too.
George can blend the attributes of those two standout skippers to thrive with England. Bristol prop Genge is at his devastating best when harnessing his latent fury, and he should be left to those devices.
Saracens lock Itoje has only just struck back to his superlative form after previously battling an undisclosed issue.
The 29-year-old would take captaincy in his commanding stride, but is nothing if not his own man and should be allowed to flourish in such a manner.
Ford was one of England’s World Cup vice-captains, and boasts such a sophisticated tactical appreciation as to have been crucial to drawing up England’s attacking blueprint.
Ford already talks with the total assurance of a Test match coach, and has vast influence on England even if he is not on the field.
And then there is the simple case of geography. Proximity to the official is vital when it comes to building that referee rapport.
Captains who have to rush in from the backline for a quick word in the referee’s ear risk appearing aggressive when all they are trying to do is take initiative.
Tight-five forwards are invariably on the spot when the chance for a word in a ref’s ear materialise. Let us hope when those closest to Borthwick have the captaincy chat with the England boss, that George’s name is the one on their lips.
