SMITH RETURNS AS ENGLAND DROP FORD
MARCUS SMITH is back in the England fold after being recalled for Saturday’s Six Nations match against France at Twickenham, with George Ford missing out on a place in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
The England future of 24-year-old fly-half Smith was thrown into doubt when he was cut loose last week to return to play for Harlequins. Captain Owen Farrell is still the favourite to start at No 10 against France, but defence coach Kevin Sinfield revealed Smith’s fine performance against Exeter last week had prompted his recall.
‘We’re really impressed with how Marcus played last week,’ said Sinfield. ‘He was outstanding. George has been wonderful but he hasn’t been long back in the fold. At this moment, the best thing is to get minutes at Sale.’
England were dealt a blow yesterday with back-row forward and vice-captain Courtney Lawes ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations with a shoulder injury.
MARCUS SMITH has regained his place in the England squad for the France Test on Saturday, while George Ford was released from camp. Smith’s position appeared in jeopardy last week when fit-again Ford was recalled and Smith sent back to Quins. But he shone in a big win over Exeter, which swayed coach Steve Borthwick, in a tight selection decision. ‘We’re really impressed with how Marcus played last week,’ said defence coach Kevin Sinfield. ‘He was outstanding. George has been wonderful but he hasn’t been long back in the fold. At this moment, the best thing is to get minutes at Sale.’ Asked if it was a close call, Sinfield simply added: ‘Yes.’ Owen Farrell is the favourite to start at 10, but the captain praised Smith’s reaction last weekend. ‘It looked like he enjoyed himself,’ he said. ‘He played very well. You only had to look at the game to see how much of a spring he’ll have in his step coming into camp this week.’
Farrell has been doing remedial work behind the scenes with Jonny Wilkinson this week to sharpen up his goal-kicking after missing several attempts against Wales in the last fixture. ‘I obviously know how to kick,’ he said. ‘I’ve hit some where I’ve missed but have been happy with how I’ve hit them. It’s trying not to overthink one to another too much, trying not to fix everything. ‘It’s about having a whole view of it so that you don’t pick at little things, which is probably what I’ve been doing. I’ve been in this situation before and I’m sure I will again at some point.’ lTAULUPE
FALETAU has said it is hard for Wales’ players to perform as the country’s game battles financial issues. ‘You are always going to try to put your best foot forward but when things aren’t going well off the pitch, it’s hard to give your all,’ the Lions No 8 said.