Fit-Again Smith Named For Six Nations Dress Rehearsal Versus Russell
Fit-Again Smith Named For Six Nations Dress Rehearsal Versus Russell
England out-half Marcus Smith is set to play his first rugby in seven weeks. He was chosen to start for Harlequins at Racing 92 on Sunday.
England out-half Marcus Smith is set to play his first rugby in seven weeks.
Smith was chosen to start for Harlequins at Racing 92 on Sunday, the day before new test-level boss Steve Borthwick names his Guinness Six Nations squad.
The halfback limped off injured at Twickenham in England's loss to South Africa on Nov. 26. It was the last match for England coach Eddie Jones, who was dismissed shortly after.
Smith since has taken his time to mend, but his return to action will be very timely, given that his rivals for the No. 10 England jersey, Owen Farrell and George Ford, both are sidelined through suspension and injury issues, respectively.
Farrell, playing for Saracens, was banned for last weekend's foul-play tackle against Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership, while Ford has yet to debut for Sale, following his Twickenham injury with Leicester in last June's league final.
With Farrell having copped a four-game ban (that can be reduced to three, if he successfully completes tackle school to free him to face the Scots) and Ford's potential return-to-play date for the Sharks being Jan. 27, eight days before England are due to open their latest campaign at home to Scotland, the return of Smith with Harlequins is a major boost for Borthwick in a week in which Nick Evans, Smith's club coach, was named attack coach for the Six Nations.
👨⚖️ | 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘.@owen_faz has received a four match ban after an incident against Gloucester.
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) January 11, 2023
This will be reduced to a three week ban if the player completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.#YourSaracens💫
Smith has been included in a Harlequins XV that also will have the recently suspended Joe Marler starting. The loosehead, who is looking for England squad selection, was banned for two matches for his Dec. 27 verbal attack on Bristol's Jake Heenan.
Smith's appearance against Racing potentially will be a Six Nations dress rehearsal, as his opposite number in the Champions Cup Round 3 match is Scotland's Finn Russell.
Harlequins boss Tabai Matson said: "It's great to welcome back so many players to the matchday squad after spells away from the team.
"Our club captain Stephan Lewies and Aaron Morris, in particular, have had to display plenty of patience in their returns to fitness and have worked incredibly hard to get back for this match. It's a huge boost to also welcome Marcus Smith and Will Evans back this week. They are two guys that make a huge difference when they are on the pitch."
RACING 92
15. Warrick Gelant
14. Donovan Taofifenua
13. Francis Saili
12. Gael Fickou (capt)
11. Juan Imhoff
10. Finn Russell
9. Nolann Le Garrec
1. Guram Gogichashvili
2. Camille Chat
3. Cedate Gomes Sa
4. Cameron Woki
5. Boris Palu
6. Ibrahim Diallo
7. Baptiste Chouzenoux
8. Maxime Baudonne
Replacements
16. Peniami Narisia
17. Eddy Ben Arous
18. Trevor Nyakane
19. Anthime Hemery
20. Kitione Kamikamica
21. Antoine Gibert
22. Olivier Klemenczak
23. Max Spring
HARLEQUINS
15. Nick David
14. Cadan Murley
13. Joe Marchant
12. Andre Esterhuizen
11. Aaron Morris
10. Marcus Smith
9. Danny Care
1. Joe Marler
2. Jack Walker
3. Wilco Louw
4. Stephan Lewies
5. Irne Herbst
6. Luke Wallace
7. Will Evans
8. Alex Dombrandt (capt).
Replacements
16. George Head
17. Jordan Els
18. Simon Kerrod
19. George Hammond
20. Tom Lawday
21. Lewis Gjaltema
22. Oscar Beard
23. Will Edwards