MARCUS Smith is just as physical as Owen Farrell and a better defender than George Ford. Now it is time to open up the international stage door and let him strut his stuff.
Former England fly-half Andy Goode believes this summer is the perfect time for the 22-yearold playmaker to take a major step towards his inevitable rugby stardom.
The clamour for Harlequins starlet Smith to be let off the leash in England's summer contests with USA and Canada continues to grow, making it more and more difficult for Eddie Jones to ignore.
The England head coach has kept a close eye on Smith's development at The Stoop since selecting him as an ‘apprentice player' and has spoken with the Philippines-born back about what he needs to do to improve and eventually get his first senior cap.
But Goode claims: “If I had an ounce of his talent I would have been very happy! He burst onto the scene as a youngster and you could see he had some unbelievable traits as a player, his attacking intent.
“But that is not just what a fly-half is about at international level. You need some of that but you also need the building blocks to have a solid platform in the game for yourself. Your goal kicking needs to be world class… and that is now the case with him.
“Your decision making around game management needs to be world class. It can't just be from everywhere, and he is doing that week-in, week-out at Harlequins.
“His physicality in defence as well, which you look at from Owen Farrell, as also a big positive.
“You watch Marcus defend, he wants to make tackles and I would back him as a better defender than George Ford. Then his attacking intent and ability to put people through into space second-to-none at the minute in the Premiership.
“Marcus has been one of the standout players of the season and would fully justify England selection.
“You want to see him given an opportunity; it would be nice for Eddie Jones to get him into the squad. He is ready now.”
Goode added: “A lot of people outside the England bubble have scratched their head at how some players like Smith and Sam Simmonds are not in there, but I guess it is Eddie Jones' prerogative.
“He's the boss and when you are the boss, you get to pick who you want and, at the minute, those boys don't fit into the picture.”
GARY FITZGERALD
