Marcus Smith a ‘shining light on a gloomy day’ for England
A day of very few positives for England, Marcus Smith was a rare aspect of the game, that made England fans smile in the record defeat to France.
Smith’s start saw Owen Farrell relegated to the bench, with the Saracen coming on at centre for Henry Slade after 45 minutes.
The fly-half had a superb ‘full 80’, playing with his heart on his sleeve and a ‘I’ll do it myself’ mentality into the closing moments.
Showing his talent from the boot to begin with, Smith outkicked his opposite man Romain Ntamack, with the French fly half slicing kicks under pressure. Not afraid to express himself, despite the looming presence of Farrell on the bench, Smith carried the ball high to the line, took some big hits early on. Charles Ollivon and his fellow back rowers were salivating at the opportunity for a shot on England’s wonderkid.
In the closing minutes of the first half, it took four men to stop Marcus Smith, as the magician regathered a lose ball in the back-field and skipped his way passed a handful of French defenders. He was repeatedly sandwiched in the tackle, but kept coming away unscaved. A pinpoint cross-field kick for Malins ‘try that never was’, Smith’s kicking game was top notch today. Smith also impressed in defence, and made key tackles to keep his side out of danger, and covered lose ball well as well.
Questions will undoubtedly be asked after the heavy defeat, however Smith was one of England’s best players today. He deserves to be back in the number 10 jersey for the trip to Dublin.