"He was nerveless" - Sir Ian McGeechan backs three England youngsters to be KEY players - Page 2 of 3 - Ruck

“He was nerveless” – Sir Ian McGeechan backs three England youngsters to be KEY players

#2. Marcus Smith

  • Age: 22
  • Club: Harlequins
  • Position: Fly-half
  • Caps: 4

Fear? What’s fear? For better as the series went on and played his hand perfectly against the world champions before delivering the match-winning penalty. 

McGeechan said: “Whether it was when England were on the front foot in the first half, or under the pump for long periods after the break, Smith was masterly at breaking up play and keeping the Boks’ defence guessing, which is key to neutering their big hits and blitz defence.

“Smith has an ability to see things early and act late to put players into space, and he did it time and again against the Springboks. As for his mental strength, just look at that last-minute kick – he was nerveless.”

Try Celebrations for Marcus Smith of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

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