England hopeful Marcus Smith showed head coach Steve Borthwick his attacking credentials to set up a wonder try in training.
The fly-half needed to impress after George Ford was called up to the 36-man England training squad for Saturday’s Six Nations showdown with Wales in Cardiff yesterday.
Ford last played for England in March 2022 but recently returned from a long-standing Achilles injury.
However, Smith made an incredible break, sending Maro Itoje to the cleaners, before passing to Ben Earl, who put through the perfect grubber kick.
Marcus Smith wonder try:
How 2019 prediction for England’s 2023 starting XV has turned out
Steve Borthwick has named his England squad for the 2023 Six Nations, with six players tipped for greatness four years ago currently out of the frame for inclusion
Jacob Whitehead from Rugby World attempted to look into his crystal ball to pick an England team for the next showpiece in France following the competition in Japan.
Here, RUCK takes a look at England’s predicted XV for the France World Cup in 219.
Rugby World’s 2019 England XV:
Fullback: Josh Hodge – “An accomplished goalkicker whose counter-attacking runs will make the most geriatric supporter stand from their seat.”
Likelihood: Still uncapped and some way off a call-up
Winger: Joe Cokanasiga – “In four years he will be a frightening prospect, as his aerial and defensive skills improve to match his bulldozing attacking flair.”
Likelihood: Out of favour under Steve Borthwick
Centre: Henry Slade – “The second distributor in this England side, Slade will be one of the team’s leaders in 2023.”
Likelihood: Almost nailed on if fit
Centre: Ollie Lawrence – “Capable of marrying the power of Tuilagi with the shiftiness of a Jonathan Joseph, he should make opposition defences afraid.”
Likelihood: Started against Italy and looks like he could be a Borthwick regular
Winger: Anthony Watson – ” It feels as if he’s been around for a decade, but Watson has still not peaked.”
Likelihood: In the mix, but has a lot of competition for selection