In a setback for England’s Six Nations campaign, Marcus Smith won’t be gracing the field in the opening clash against Italy this Saturday.
The Harlequins fly-half picked up a calf injury during England’s training camp in Girona, and the initial scan has officially sidelined him for the weekend’s kickoff.
This setback opens the door for Fin Smith to step into the spotlight and make his debut in Rome.
“[Marcus] won’t make this weekend sadly,” said the assistant coach Kevin Sinfield.
“It is a calf injury. We got the scan report through but we are waiting to understand exactly what that means for us moving forward.
” He’s not fit for this weekend. At the minute, we’re waiting for a second opinion on the scan. We will know more then.”
“[Marcus is] a big loss,” added Sinfield.
“He’s an outstanding guy who I have absolutely loved working with and I have got a really good connection with. But what that does is provide opportunities for others. We have said it since I have been working with England that we are blessed with the tens that we have got.
“Fin Smith’s been in camp before his form has been outstanding for Northampton and he has trained great too. Without giving too much away, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out where that might leave us.
“We have got Fin and George who has got 91 caps I think so he has got that experience and a young gun who has been in top, top form. We’re still in a very, very good position.”
“Drop Genge, Steward” – Brian Moore picks his England XV for 2024 Six Nations opener
BACK-THREE:
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: “George Furbank would probably edge this pick strictly on club form and this game would be ideal to see if the Northampton Saints full-back can make the decisive step into a starting role after his first series of England starts were inconclusive.”
“I would go straight for Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. It would be his first cap, but opening against Italy is the least pressured of Six Nations debuts and, cynically, it would secure his allegiance for the forthcoming years.
“You can never choose a completely risk-free debut, but you will never have an understanding of any player’s potential unless you give them a chance.”
CENTRES:
13. Henry Slade
12. Fraser Dingwall
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: |As Oscar Beard is also out through injury that leaves Fraser Dingwall, replacement call-up Max Ojomah or Daly. If Borthwick goes for the latter, it is the safe option but, given this is Italy, he should give Dingwall a start and just see where it goes.”
