Smith steps up to face Barbarians

Marcus Smith has confirmed that he turned down a trip to Argentina for a second consecutive Under-20 World Championship with England in favour of facing a starstudded Barbarians side in tomorrow’s uncapped match at Twickenham.

Smith, who travelled to the global under-20 tournament in France 12 months ago, was named in an initial England squad for this year’s competition at the start of last month.

However, he has opted to represent Jim Mallinder’s side tomorrow instead and will start at fly-half in an effort to press his own claims for senior international recognition.

“I had a call last week from England saying this opportunity was available,” said the 20-year-old Harlequins playmaker, insisting that the choice was “all my decision”.

“I spoke long and hard with my family and it was one I couldn’t miss. I am massively excited for the weekend. It was the fact that it was a senior England opportunity at Twickenham against the Barbarians, who are obviously packed with superstars.”

Mallinder, deputising for permanent head coach Eddie Jones, has been overseeing preparations for the England side with a temporary backroom team of forwards coach Phil Dowson, attack coach Dave Walder and defence coach Joe El-abd.

However, the former Northampton Saints head coach, now a full-time member of England’s pathway department, revealed that Jones and Steve Borthwick had been regular visitors to camp over the past week.

“The coaching has been done by myself and the three coaches,” Mallinder said. “Eddie has been at every training session, so he’s watched what we’ve done and watched the players. But we’ve coached it.”

Sale Sharks lock Josh Beaumont will captain the England XV. Tighthead prop Paul Hill and hooker Tommy Taylor are the only other members of the match-day 23 with Test experience.

Pat Lam’s Barbarians, led by 62-cap Wallaby James Horwill, are loaded with internationals.