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England hopeful Fin Smith a late Northampton withdrawal in Paris
By Liam Heagney
England hopeful Fin Smith was a late withdrawal on Saturday for Northampton. The Saints confirmed less than an hour before kick-off versus Stade Francais in Paris that the 22-year-old was ill and would not be wearing the No10 shirt at Stade Jean-Bouin.
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A last-gasp match winner last Sunday versus Bath in the Gallagher Premiership with a late penalty, Smith is set to be named on Tuesday in Steve Borthwick’s England squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations which starts on February 1 versus Ireland in Dublin.
Smith played 26 minutes off the bench in his most recent Test appearance, the Autumn Nations Series win over Japan which brought an end to England’s five-match losing streak.
The youngster, who made his international debut as a sub in last year’s Six Nations opener away to Italy, is expected to be named as one of three out-halves by Borthwick along with Marcus Smith and George Ford.
A statement on his withdrawal from the Investec Champions Cup match in France read: “Fin Smith has been withdrawn from Northampton Saints’ match day squad to face Stade Francais on Saturday through illness.
“Rory Hutchinson will replace Smith at fly-half for Saints (wearing No10), with Charlie Savala starting at No12 and George Makepeace-Cubitt coming into the replacements to wear No23.”
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