England fly-half Marcus Smith is one of those players capable of packing a match “when nothing is happening”, complimented South African captain Siya Kolisi on Friday, on the eve of the test match between England and the Springboks at Twickenham.
“He’s incredible, we can’t deny it,” the South African third row told the press. “I faced him in the European Cup and he is one of those gifted people who can do something when nothing is happening,” added the ex-Racing 92 player.
“If you stop him, he will keep coming back and that’s what you expect (from a great player),” said the captain of the two-time reigning world champions, who share the same coaching company. management than English.
At 25 years old, Marcus Smith established himself as the number one choice of the XV de la Rose at the opening, despite competition from George Ford and despite the defeats suffered in November against New Zealand (24-22) and the Australia (42-37).
The No.10 of Harlequins will be under close surveillance on Saturday (6:40 p.m.) at Twickenham against the South Africans who think they know him well. Defense coach Jerry Flannery and center Andre Esterhuizen worked with him at Harlequins, the Englishman’s club.
“They know his strengths and weaknesses,” said Mzwandile Stick, the backs coach. “He (Smith) can put you in trouble with his kicking game and if you give him time and space to breathe he will punish you. We know he is a world-class fly-half,” he admitted.
During the last Six Nations Tournament, Smith notably deprived Ireland of a Grand Slam by scoring the victory drop (23-22). Against Australia last weekend, he was involved in four of England’s five tries.
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