Marcus Smith: England are going to come out firing shots against South Africa

Marcus Smith has told England to prove their last performance against France was no fluke and get on the front foot next weekend in Johannesburg against South Africa.

The utility back was a replacement in England’s best attacking display of the Six Nations when they went down 48-46 in Paris to show there is a rugby team that can compete in there.

That defeat, a fourth on the spin and following a historic first loss to Italy, was frustrating for players and fans as it showed what Steve Borthwick‘s side could do if they played positively.

At Ellis Park on Saturday they face the world champion Springboks and a defence masterminded by Jerry Flannery, who coached Smith at Harlequins, with input from Felix Jones, once of England.

Grab the bull by the horns

And Smith has urged the side to grab the bull by the horns and go after the Boks as they attempt to defy their underdog status.

The 27-year-old said: “Italy was a bit cagey and tight and you saw the difference a week made compared with playing France.

“We’ve agreed it’s in the mind and the top two inches. We need to play big from minute one.

“That’s the message we’re getting from the coaches. We as players need to deliver that.

“For me playing big, expansive rugby is something I enjoy doing. It’s when I feel at my best. I feel I can do that regardless of the situation.

“When you are selected it’s your responsibility to play and give the best account of yourself individually to hopefully influence the team.

“As a group we’ve said we want to be able to start as fast as we can and maybe not wait until we’re behind the eight-ball.

“We need to come out and fire our shots because if we fire our shots from minute one we’re confident in our abilities.”

On the attack: Marcus Smith scoring against France in the Six Nations
PICTURES: Getty Images

Inspired

Smith also revealed he had been inspired by Rory McIlroy’s golf in the last two years that has brought him two Masters titles by being aggressive and that is what he is aiming to bring to England this summer.

He added: “We did a little study with Danny Wilson at Quins on McIlroy.

“There was a story about him seeing a psychologist, about being aggressive and playing every shot on the last day like it was his last.

“The ones he was bending around trees!

“You’d seen him so many times probably play within himself and practise all those shots in training, but in the game effectively not pull it out.

“The way he’s playing now, he’s playing big, he’s playing aggressive every single time, and he’s trusting his ability.

“There’s a reason why we all practise so hard, is to showcase it in the biggest of moments, and I think that’s the frustration that I sometimes have, whenever I do go within myself, is why the hell did I not do it?

“I’ve been practising it for years on end, why didn’t I? You only really get that picture once, and you train so hard for that picture to come up, and you kick yourself in bed if you miss.”

Aggressive: Rory McIlroy with the Masters trophy

X-Factor

Smith could link up with fellow Quin Cadan Murley who has forced his way on tour ahead of Tom Roebuck and Henry Arundell despite playing for a struggling club.

Smith said: “I’ve been lucky to play with him since I was in academy, and he’s an absolute freak.

“He’s rapid, he’s strong on both sides of the ball. I think he does the basics extremely well, chases hard, makes his tackles, and then he’s also got X-Factor, because he’s lightning quick.

“I’m proud of him.”