Marcus Smith follows in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson and George Ford in English drop-goal folklore, but he will have his eyes on a more sustained run in the side.
Marcus Smith follows in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson and George Ford as the latest English fly-half to write his name in drop-goal folklore. Wilkinson delivered the biggest prize of all during the 2003 World Cup final and Ford's masterclass saw off Argentina at last year's tournament in France, while Smith's boot ended Ireland's dream of historic back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams.
Smith came off the bench to mark his return from injury with a last-gasp clip over the posts to hand England a stunning victory - and afterwards namechecked both Ford and England kicking coach Kevin Sinfield."We got an advantage in the wide channels after Manny did a destructive run, like he did all game, and got us to within 10 metres. "Then the forwards went in and exhausted them. We had another penalty advantage right in front and I have been practising my drop-goals, learning of George and Kev , and I thought: Why not?" This was supposed to be the Six Nations for Smith to cement his standing as England's number 10 after impressing at full-back as England finished third at the World Cup, but he was ruled out of the opening three games of the competition with a calf injury. He replaced the usually assured Ford, who missed a penalty and conversion, in the second half and his arrival on the field seemed to lift everyone inside Twickenham of an England persuasion. Smith received the ball from Harlequins team-mate Danny Care, who also came off the bench for his 100th Test cap to steer England over the line."This was a tournament I was really excited for and it was an opportunity for the team to step forward off the back of the World Cup. "Being ruled out before the first games was disappointing but watching the lads from home on the sofa got me excited again."We didn't get the result we wanted against Scotland but this team will take a lot of pride and confidence from that performance."It ebbed and flowed and it was a brilliant spectacle for the fans. I know the boys will be very happy with that one. "The chat all week was to have the belief and the confidence in one and another because we don't turn into a bad team overnight. "Last week was a blip but if we keep our standards high and push each other, anything is possible. It's moments like this that give us hope and confidence moving forward." Smith's impressive cameo will give Steve Borthwick a selection headache for the final game against France, with the Six Nations title possibly still on the line.The hosts showed greater attacking intent and a renewed speed of ball in hand against Ireland than at any other time during Steve Borthwick's tenure.Six Nations Rugby Special: Are France in crisis? BBC pundits Sam Warburton and John Barclay discuss whether France are in crisis following their 13-13 draw at home to Italy in the Six Nations.Before the Oscars on Sunday, we ask BBC Sport's Six Nations team who would play them in a movie, who gives the most emotional team talks and who has the best chance of making it to Hollywood.The two-headed dog experiments that shocked the world'Why not?' - Barkley on England recall dreams
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