Don’t rule Marcus out yet says Bowe
MARCUS Smith may have found himself abused by former Ireland lock Neil Francis.
But another star Irishman paid the Lions fly-half a handsome tribute.
Francis was sacked from his podcast and roundly condemned for commenting on Smith’s “David Beckham haircut and Oompa-Loompa tan”.
Francis said he had been misinterpreted and apologised.
Meanwhile two-time Lions tourist Tommy Bowe believes the sky is the limit for the 22-year-old fly-half sensation who has a Filipina mother.
Bowe, below, capped 69 times by Ireland and five by the Lions during the 2009 and 2013 tours, said:
“It was probably too soon for Smith in the opening game. But you certainly wouldn’t rule him out for the last two Tests. If Warren (Gatland) feels he needs to change one or two things, or there are injuries to players, he could come into the equation. “He clearly has enormous talent and already looks pretty much at home with the Lions after such a short spell out there. Mentally he looks very calm and composed to go along with his outstanding physical attributes.
“To have all that at a high level at such a young age is so exciting.
“He’s had an amazing few weeks and you can tell he has the potential to keep improving, keep learning and develop into a very important player for England and the Lions.”
Alun Wyn Jones’ incredibly quick return from his dislocated shoulder to be available for yesterday’s opening Test brought back memories for Bowe of his own rapid recovery from injury in 2013.
He recalled: “Alun is made of tough stuff ! It was testament of what being a Lion and going on tour means to him.
“I broke my hand shortly into the tour in Australia but was back in three weeks. A surgeon stuck three screws in and I was able to play in the Second and Third Tests. So Alun has nothing on me!”