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Opportunity now knocks for two of the brightest young talents in English rugby.
George Ford’s Achilles injury – which means he won’t be involved in the summer Tests with Japan or New Zealand – robs national head coach Steve Borthwick of one of his most experienced and trusted players. But it also presents what is undoubtedly a golden chance for either Marcus or Fin Smith to lay down a significant marker and prove they are the future of the white No 10 jersey.
Both are supremely talented. They represent everything you want in an English player. The pair are bold, exciting, fearless and have experience of the highest level.
But only one of them can start.
Fin Smith’s remarkable progression at club level this season ended on Saturday with him lifting the Gallagher Premiership trophy with Northampton. His namesake Marcus, meanwhile, is an attacking box of tricks who is a joy to watch and a firm fans’ favourite given his array of skills.
Marcus Smith (L) and Fin Smith (R) are competing to start for England against Japan and New Zealand
George Ford’s injury means he won’t be involved in summer Tests with Japan or New Zealand
England head coach Steve Borthwick faces an incredible difficult decision over who to select
Fin Smith (left) and George Furbank (right) celebrate Northampton’s title success
So, who will Borthwick choose? It is, undeniably, an incredibly difficult decision.
A quick social media poll on Sunday over who England should pick was split virtually 50:50.
‘I would love to play 10 for England but being involved in the first thing,’ said Fin Smith after his Saints side inched past a heroic 14-man Bath outfit to win their first English league title in a decade at Twickenham. ‘I have come off the bench for 10 minutes in Italy and 15 minutes in Scotland and I don’t feel like I have actually made my mark at all on that (England) jersey.
‘So that is the goal – go into camp and give it my all and make the 10 jersey my own. That would be a massive way to end the season. We have an individual development plan and mine was to win the league with Saints and get an England cap. I have now done both those things.
‘When you play in these games, you hope you then put your hand up and get an opportunity.’
Fin Smith spent Saturday evening beginning Northampton’s title party, first at Twickenham and then at the club’s Franklin’s Gardens home. The celebrations continued on Sunday with an open-top bus parade through Northampton. Fin Smith’s hangover will need to be shifted quickly.
He has shown this season that he is capable of controlling big games. If Borthwick is looking for a Ford-like replacement, he will surely go for the Northampton man who is a strong defender, has a neat attacking game and, on the whole, kicks reliably. Marcus Smith is more of a maverick, a magician with an unprecedented box of tricks who is able to pull a rabbit from a hat.
The Harlequins No 10 is more experienced than his namesake at international level having won 32 England caps, appeared at last year’s World Cup, and toured with the Lions in 2021.
Fin Smith celebrated Northampton’s title success following a hugely impressive season
The Northampton players including Fin Smith enjoyed a parade after their title win
Fin Smith featured for England in the Six Nations having caught the eye for Northampton
Fin Smith has made remarkable progress for Northampton this season with some fine displays
Fin Smith’s first two England caps came in this year’s Six Nations as a replacement but there can be no denying he is a coming force.
‘This is the first year I have been pleased at times with what I have done,’ he said.
‘I have worked incredibly hard. I gave myself a bit of a talking to at the end of last season and said “If you want to be this guy that is remembered for what you want to be remembered for, and do all the things you want to do, you are going to have to start working really hard.” I have tried to do that.
‘I feel I have grown a lot as person and as a player this year and I have loved it.’
Given Northampton’s final exertions and the fact Harlequins weren’t involved in the business end of the season, it is likely Marcus Smith will start at No 10 against Japan in Tokyo on June 22.
But when Borthwick’s squad arrives in New Zealand, both players will have the chance to stake their claim for the shirt to face the All Blacks.
Borthwick will name his final party for the trip on Monday. When he faces the media at Twickenham, the No 10 debate is sure to dominate.
Borthwick previously laid down a challenge to Fin Smith that he wanted to see him manage his club side to success. He has done exactly that. Fin Smith, like Northampton as a collective, wasn’t at his best in the final as his attacking game was suffocated by Bath’s line speed in defence, even after Beno Obano was sent off.
Marcus Smith appears to remain just ahead of his rival in Borthwick’s pecking order
The Harlequins No 10 possesses more experience at international level than his namesake
But such an experience will only aid his learning over time.
It is this writer’s belief – although it is far from certain at this stage – that Marcus Smith just about remains a nose ahead of his rival in Borthwick’s pecking order.
It must not be forgotten Marcus Smith was due to start the Six Nations ahead of Ford before he suffered a calf injury in training. He also slotted the winning drop goal against Ireland.
The way England’s attacking game developed impressively under Ford as the Six Nations progressed would undoubtedly suit both Smiths, but perhaps Marcus more so.
There is, though, undoubtedly time for things to change. What an enviable position it is for Borthwick to be in that after the loss of Owen Farrell and now Ford, he has two such brilliant options from which to choose. Standby for what promises to be a thrilling summer for English rugby with two young tyros set to be at the heart of the action.
‘I went on a school rugby tour to New Zealand and we did a stadium tour of Eden Park which was pretty cool and the first time I saw the place,’ said Fin Smith.
‘It would be a nice full-circle moment if I manage to get out and perform there in a few weeks’ time.
‘They are rugby mad over there. It should be pretty cool getting stuck in there this summer.’
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