Marcus Smith has been ruled out of England’s Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday, paving the way for his namesake, the Finn, to make his Roma debut. The Harlequins out-half sustained a calf injury during England’s training camp in Girona and has been ruled out of the opening match at the weekend following initial tests.
It’s a blow for Marcus Smith, who was thought to be in hot contention for the number 10 spot at Roma, and Steve Borthwick, who is awaiting further information on how long he will be sidelined. He must also be considered a serious doubt for England’s second match at home to Wales on Saturday week.
Borthwick have already lost Ollie Lawrence and Luke Cowan-Dickie since naming their squad, while George Martin, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson, Jacques van Portvliet and Tom Curry have also been injured. .
“[Marcus] Unfortunately, he won’t be able to make it this weekend,” assistant coach Kevin Sinfield said. “It’s a calf injury. The scan report has been submitted but we’re waiting to understand exactly what it means for us going forward. He’s not fit for this weekend. At the moment. , I’m waiting for a second opinion on the scan. Then we’ll know more.”
In his absence, the options for number 10 are George Ford and Finn Smith. Ford provides experience to a much-changed line-up ahead of the World Cup, but the Northampton man has been a form out-half domestically and has received rave reviews from England’s coaching staff. He is on the verge of making his international debut on Saturday, whether as a starter or a substitute.
“[Marcus is] It’s a huge loss,” Sinfield added. “He’s a great guy and I love working with him and we have a really good relationship. But it does open up opportunities for other people. Ever since we started racing, we have been saying that we are blessed with speeds in the 10-second range.
“Finn Smith has been in camp before and he’s been in great form at Northampton and his training has been great. Without giving too much away, I’m not sure how that will affect us. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand. We’ve got Finn and George, who’s probably won 91 caps, so he’s got that experience and he’s a young cannon who’s in top form. We’re still there. We are in a very good position.”
Marcus Smith was injured on Monday and was later seen on crutches at England’s team base. Borthwick is yet to decide whether to call up a replacement, but the 24-year-old has yet to be given the chance to start a new chapter for England.
“[It was] Just in training, at the beginning of the session. It’s just one of those things,” Sinfield said. “The boys took two days off.” [for] He was recovering and Marcus was a bundle of energy and doing his job. Unfortunately, these things happen. We will miss him because he was great to work with, but we hope he doesn’t last too long.
“I’m not sure about the logistics. I think some of it will depend on what the second opinion is. It would be great to be able to keep him with us. Nines and teens, , I think the more time we spend together, the more that friendship and relationship will build. That’s just as important off the field as it is on the field. It would be great if he stayed.” – Guardian
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