Marcus Smith's embarrassing mistake proves costly against Sale Sharks

Smith failed to gather a bouncing ball, allowing Raffi Quirke to pounce and score, moments after Smith had been moved to full-back. Commentator Nick Mullins called it “a moment Smith will want to erase,” while Quirke admitted he couldn’t believe his luck.

Quins had led 17-12 at half-time thanks to tries from Smith and Jack Walker, but Sale dominated after the break. Jacques Vermeulen scored twice to secure a bonus point before further tries from Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Quirke and Nathan Jibulu sealed a convincing win.

The result leaves Harlequins with six losses from eight league games, denting their play-off hopes, while Sale’s emphatic second-half display revived their push for a top-four finish.

Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The 34-year-old has won 60 England caps but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next World Cup. Tuilagi has admitted a switch would depend on whether he can still compete at the highest level.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg – South Africa to England
The Bristol Bears centre played for South Africa U20s but has never featured at senior level. After cutting ties with the Springboks, he could qualify for England via residency, subject to World Rugby approval.

David Ribbans – England to South Africa
The lock last played for England at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to switch next year. However, Ribbans has played down the idea, insisting his desire remains to represent England again.

Akira Ioane – New Zealand to Samoa
The 30-year-old has not played for New Zealand since 2022 and could follow his father by representing Samoa if he remains out of All Blacks contention.

Hoskins Sotutu – New Zealand to England or Fiji
Frozen out by the All Blacks since 2022, Sotutu can switch immediately. He qualifies for England through his mother but could also represent Fiji, following in his father’s footsteps.

Tyrone Green – South Africa to England
A former South Africa U20 standout, Green will be eligible for England from 2026. However, the Harlequins back has said he is in no rush to make a decision.

Nepo Laulala – New Zealand to Samoa
The prop last played for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup. Born in Samoa, Laulala could switch allegiances in late 2026.

Shannon Frizell – New Zealand to Tonga
Frizell last featured for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to represent Tonga from October next year.

Folau Fakatava – New Zealand to Tonga
The Tongan-born scrum-half last played for New Zealand in 2022 and is eligible to switch to his country of birth ahead of the next World Cup.

Ngani Laumape – New Zealand to Tonga
Eligible since 2024, Laumape has openly stated his desire to represent Tonga after missing out on the 2023 World Cup.

Lalakai Foketi – Australia to New Zealand
The centre last played for Australia at the 2023 World Cup but could qualify for New Zealand in 2026. He is currently locked in a legal dispute with Rugby Australia.

Rhyno Smith – South Africa to Italy
Smith would need special dispensation after previous South Africa Sevens appearances, but the Benetton full-back has admitted he would welcome the chance to represent Italy after five years in the country.