Marcus Smith backed to beat rivals to Lions Test jersey

Marcus Smith was backed to feature in the British and Irish Lions’ Test series against Australia this summer after piloting Harlequins to a 38-19 Gallagher Premiership victory over Gloucester.

Smith will take part in his second Lions tour after being included in Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad and is battling Finn Russell and Fin Smith for the fly-half duties, as well as providing an option at full-back.

While his display in a six-try demolition of Gloucester at Allianz Stadium was short on his customary individual fireworks, he expertly steered the team around the field in a display which delighted Quins head coach Danny Wilson.

“Marcus is over the moon about being selected for the Lions. What I’m really pleased about is that two days after he gets the news, he puts in a performance like that,” Wilson said.

“He wants to get to the next level. He wants to prove he should be starting, should be a Test-match Lion. I have all the faith in the world he’ll get there.

“He was outstanding against Gloucester in terms of managing the game, picking when to kick and when to run. He gave us a weapon that caused Gloucester major problems.

“I don’t think our recent results and him playing 15 for England would have made him feel confident that he was a shoe-in for the Lions.

“His work ethic is phenomenal – he has talent, but also a work ethic that makes that talent what it is.

“Against Leicester he was excellent, managed the game really well for us and showed he is a Test match 10 and he did it again against Gloucester. His kicking was really accurate, giving Gloucester a lot of problems.”

Gloucester’s pursuit of a play-off place was dealt a significant blow after they were swept aside at Twickenham, paying the price for a feeble display lacking fight or purpose.

They could still finish in the top four, but boss George Skivington insisted the last two matches of the season are now important for another reason.

“We need to win those games for pride. I’m gutted and embarrassed. We have blown a massive opportunity and Friday night against Newcastle is about showing what we are about,” Skivington said.

“It was very tough to take. I don’t think we showed up, if I am honest. The other coaches and I were scratching our heads after five minutes, we didn’t think we were in the game. We got beaten in every aspect of the game.”