Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Sonny Bill Williams weighs in on Marcus Smith debate and his 'mistake' against Scotland

By Kim Ekin
(Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams has thrown his support behind England flyhalf Marcus Smith saying ‘he’s the guy’ you want with the ball in his hands.

ADVERTISEMENT

England’s 10-12 partnership with Smith and Owen Farrell has sparked debate again after Steve Borthwick’s side lost to Scotland 29-23 in the opening game of the Guinness Six Nations.

A pivotal moment in the Test came with England leading 20-19 and in position hot on attack inside Scotland’s 22. With Smith identifying a chance, Farrell switched play back to the short side to give the No 10 the ball.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

Smith ended up with a two-on-two and took the outside of his defender, looking to get the second man interested but was shadowed over the sideline by a handy defensive play by Sione Tuipulotu.

Prominent Twitter user AP Rugby offered a critique of the situation saying ‘there was nothing on’ and that Smith is guilty of overplaying his hand at times.

“Marcus Smith had some really nice touches yesterday but tends to overplay his hand a bit. What works at club level doesn’t always come off at Test level,” he wrote.

“He’s calling for the ball here and Farrell obliges, but there’s nothing on.”

Ex-All Black Williams weighed in with his own view of the play and backed Smith to trust his instincts as he is the danger man deserving of the ball in those situations.

ADVERTISEMENT

If Smith had gone inside his man with a left foot step he may scored with a prop required to cover.

“I have endured too many coaches with mindsets like yours (mistake means wrong option),” Williams wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT

After nine Tests together, doubts persist over whether the partnership is clicking for England.

Many are of the belief that Owen Farrell is better suited as a flyhalf instead of as a No 12.

Related

Former England flyhalf Andy Goode called for Steve Borthwick to ditch the 10-12 axis in his latest column for RugbyPass.

With Henry Slade returning to the squad changes could be made for England’s clash against Italy, with the versatile back covering at inside centre last year under Jones.

“Henry Arundell and Henry Slade both return to the squad following injuries,” reads an RFU statement this evening.

“Borthwick’s side have reconvened at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot as they prepare for Sunday’s game at Twickenham Stadium (3pm KO).”

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING Diamond demands law change while accusing Tigers of illegal activity Diamond demands law change while accusing Tigers of illegal activity
Search