Harlequins scrum half Danny Care believes that Marcus Smith should be getting more game time for England. Smith played less than one minute, as he came off the bench for a cameo appearance, in England’s latest 2023 Six Nations win over Wales.
Today, Smith was released from England’s training squad, with Sale Sharks fly half George Ford being retained in Steve Borthwick’s plans. Smith is set to return to Quins this weekend, ahead of their ‘Big Game 14’ showdown with Exeter Chiefs, at Twickenham Stadium.
Smith will also miss out on training with England at his former school. Steve Borthwick and co will be setting up camp at Smith’s former institution of Brighton College, in preparation for their fourth round Six Nations match against France.
Care is Smith’s half-back partner at Harlequins, and knows full well the qualities that the fly half brings to England.
“Should he (Marcus Smith) be getting more game time for England? Yeah, I think more than 14 seconds. I do think he should be getting more. But it’s tough, it’s tough obviously on Marcus at the moment.” Care said at today’s Harlequins press conference.
“Steve (Borthwick) picked Owen Farrell as Captain, so it’s obviously going to be very hard for him to then take Owen off. I think everyone would have liked to seen a bit more of Marcus in that second half especially. I think the game opened up a fair bit.
“It went a bit stagnant in that second half, and I felt like it needed a bit of a lift. And there’s probably no one better than Marcus to do that. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a big opportunity. But you know, I’ve got no doubts, that boy is going to play a very, very big part in England’s success over the next few years.
“The best thing about Marcus is he’ll just make the best of his opportunities, if you give him the chance, he’ll take it. And he’s going to probably bide his time a little bit. But, when the opportunity comes, which I’m sure it will, then he’ll show his class at the international stage, which he’s done, every time he’s worn the shirt.”
Care also admits that he is happy to have the fly half back at the London club. Harlequins have their calendar highlight ‘Big Game 14’ taking centre stage at Twickenham Stadium this weekend, as they host Exeter Chiefs at the home of English rugby. The ‘Big Game’ branding is even more relevant, as eighth-placed Harlequins are certainly in need of a win, if they want to reach the Premiership play-offs come the end of the season.
“We’ve obviously missed him a lot. And yeah, obviously for him personally, he’s mad keen to get some minutes under his belt, and do what he does best, which is play rugby in that 10 spot. So if he’s picked for the weekend, I know Marcus will step up to the plate, as he always does.
“It’s just great to have him back. He puts a smile on everyone’s face when he’s around. And he has shown what he can do and his kind of youthful exuberance that he brings, but also his calmness the brings to our team is invaluable.”