Ex-Rugby Hardman Slams Marcus Smith, Says He 'Ain’t Got It in Him'

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While Smith has dazzled at club level for Harlequins, Fleck isn’t convinced he’s the man to lead England to glory – especially when compared to Scotland’s Finn Russell.

“I don’t think he’s the answer, to be honest,” Fleck said bluntly.
“A great club player and against lesser Test sides, he will always open them up. But if you’re marking yourself against the best – the Boks, the Irish defence systems – I don’t think he can unlock them.”

Fleck took particular aim at Smith’s high-risk style, suggesting it’s more style than substance when it comes to facing top-tier opposition.
“I think he’s too erratic,” he added. “He’ll try the miracle stuff which may come off, but in terms of game management, I don’t think he’s got what it takes to deliver the killer blow.”

In stark contrast, Fleck praised the Scotland maverick as a proven performer under pressure.
“The one guy I do think can do that is Finn Russell. He’s proven it time and time again. But Marcus is not the answer for me.”

Fleck even suggested Smith might thrive more in Scotland’s free-flowing system, highlighting Duhan van der Merwe’s third try against England as an example of the attacking intent Smith craves.

“If Marcus Smith was playing for Scotland, where they’ve got a different mindset… he’d thrive,” Fleck continued. “Whereas at Harlequins, he can play. But with England, one mistake gets amplified. I don’t think that suits him.”

Another brutal reality check for the fan-favourite fly-half – and a major endorsement for the mercurial Finn.

Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.

Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.

Farrell, the English rugby captain, epitomizes leadership and respect. Renowned for his versatility as a fly-half or centre, he combines skill and discipline, serving as a linchpin in England's rugby campaigns.

Nigel Owens said: "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."

Biggar, the Welsh rugby sensation, is celebrated for his unwavering focus and passion. A prolific fly-half, he has charmed fans with his skill and respect on and off the field.

Owens said: "Oh god yes. He's so focused and so passionate about what he's doing, we've had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.

"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."

Sexton, the Irish rugby maestro, leads with intelligence and grit. As a world-class fly-half, he's earned his place among the rugby elite through precise decision-making and relentless determination.

Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”

Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.

“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.