England’s Six Nations hopes receive a potential boost as Marcus Smith makes a return to the squad, setting the stage for a potential showdown against Ireland this Saturday.
The 25-year-old Harlequins fly-half, who has been sidelined due to a calf injury, is yet to make an appearance in the tournament.
Alongside Smith, scrum-half Alex Mitchell is back in contention following a knee problem that kept him out of the defeat against Scotland at Murrayfield.
England’s clash against the Grand Slam-chasing Ireland at Twickenham promises to be a high-stakes affair, kicking off at 16:45 GMT on Saturday.
Smith, initially slated for a leading role in the Six Nations, suffered his calf injury during training before the tournament opener against Italy in February.
In his absence, George Ford of Sale Sharks has taken up the number 10 position for England’s previous three games, while Fin Smith of Northampton made his international debut from the bench.
With Fin Smith now sidelined due to injury, Marcus Smith is poised to make his mark against Ireland at Twickenham, most likely from the bench.
The decision now rests with head coach Steve Borthwick, who must weigh the option of reintegrating Marcus directly into the squad for the highly anticipated encounter against the undefeated Irish.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”