MAGIC MARCUS: WHAT QUINS STAR’S GOT IN HIS BOX OF TRICKS

KICKING GAME

THIS is a fascinating aspect of what Smith will bring to the party today, because it is what Farrell is more known for. But the deposed captain has been struggling off the tee of late, while his younger replacement has become increasingly reliable with his shots at goal. In terms of tactical kicking, he is likely to mix and match between longer punts, chips, little prods between defenders and upand-unders to the wings.

VISION AND AWARENESS

SMITH has a good feel for what is required to create openings, as he demonstrated in the dramatic win over South Africa in November 2021. His eye for a gap is renowned — as is his knack of putting others into space. Watch for how he picks out Alex Dombrandt running clever support lines.

FANCY FOOTWORK

RUNNING with the ball is the primary point of difference for Smith, over Farrell. He is fast, nimble and elusive. His hitch-kick acceleration routine has become a trademark, which he learned by watching the great Fiji sevens maestro, Waisale Serevi. If Smith is allowed to play his natural game, he will seek to skip into space around the outside of slower French defenders and unleash England’s dangerous outside backs.

POSITIONING

BY nature, the Harlequins prodigy is inclined to play flat to the line — up close to the opposition defence. It is a high-risk, highreturn option, as it allows Smith to create holes by forcing those trying to shut him down to react quickly to his triple threat: run, kick or pass. Standing flat, he can use his innate attacking instincts effectively, but England may want him to stand deeper in many scenarios today.

HEART

ALTHOUGH he is a free spirit known for creativity, it does not mean Smith shirks the combative nature of his chosen profession. He is a fiercely competitive character, who will urge on team-mates t with fired-up talk and fist-clenched intensity. He does not possess the imposing physical presence that Owen Farrell does, but he has the bravery and fierce desire to stand his ground in defence. France will send big runners his way, to test that out.