Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

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

(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

KOKO Show | July 1st | The Lions are here and the KOKO crew are getting excited

Touchdown in Dublin, The Red Sea Returns & We Prepare to Face Argentina | Ep 2: The Ultimate Test

World Rugby U20 Championship 2025

South Africa v British & Irish Lions | 2009 | Second Test | The Vaults

Lions Share | Episode 1

England XV v France XV | Full Match Replay

"The Opportunity Of A Lifetime" | Wallabies All In: Episode 1

Are these the best ever Lions performances?

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

M
Mzilikazi 45 minutes ago
'People remember Lions Tests, but the tour matches are where the magic happens'

“about to pull on his native Zimbabwe jersey in the Rugby Africa Cup as the Sables look to qualify for their first Rugby World Cup since 1987”


I’m always interesting in any Zimbabwe connection, Prior is a new one for me. I had a look on Wiki, and he is down as being Bundaberg born. If that is correct, I would be assuming one or both parents where born in Africa.


Btw, love your writing on the Brumbies win. They again will have the best chance of upsetting the Lions. Enjoy the game !

7 Go to comments
M
Mzilikazi 51 minutes ago
'People remember Lions Tests, but the tour matches are where the magic happens'

Magic article Brett. I’m commenting very late as I have been down in Bne. for the match last night.


That was the 4th Lions game I have seen. The last two tests in South Africa in ‘74, and a game up in Townsville in ‘89. The atmosphere is always great, and last night was no exception. Sure there was disappointment at the end, with the Lions running away to such a big margin. But to see the best of Britain and Ireland on tour is very special.


“The Test matches are what draws the people, but the tour matches are what make the trip. Meeting friends new and old, making new memories and seeing great moments in parts of Australia away from the big events. That’s where the memories really build. That’s why a Lions tour is so special.” Great comment, just sums it all up in a nutshell. I went into the stadium very early last night, with the purpose of watching the Lions warm up, but also to talk to anyone who looked interesting, who was prepared to have a bit of a chat.


My net included a young Welsh couple living currently in Australia, excited to be there to watch the Lions, but sad so few Welsh players in this squad. Then a lovely big Irish woman, from Cork and the Dolphin club. She talked of the emergence of very good players now coming out of west Cork. I just missed catching Ronan O’Gara, who was talking to her as I approached, but was just then grabbed for an on field interview. Then a New Zealander with great knowledge of Lions past, including the great Willie John McBride. Watching the game, I had a Sri Lankan lad on one side who played when younger, and two girls, one Australian, and one from Belfast( where I went to high school and university.) The Irish girl turned out to have cousin up and coming with Ulster, David McCann.


Roll on 19th and the first test….Brisbane will be humming…can’t wait !!

7 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Blair Kinghorn immediately starts on awkward terms with Maro Itoje Blair Kinghorn immediately starts on awkward terms with Maro Itoje
Search