This weekend will be the first time in the Six Nations we get to see Johnny Sexton battle it out with Marcus Smith in what former England international Andy Goode labelled as "master against apprentice".
Sexton is the elder statesman in this battle, thirteen years Smith's senior. He's been there, done that and got the T-shirt. He's won numerous European titles with Leinster, won a Grand Slam with Ireland in 2018 and won World Player of the Year in the same year, as well among many other accolades.
Smith is the young buck. He has one Premiership title to his name at just 22 and there's not many more exciting prospects in rugby than him at the moment. The Harlequins and England fly-half is extremely exciting as he has bundles of flair and skill and is always good for a highlight or two.
Does Marcus Smith fit in at England?
Smith is a fan favourite and many England fans and pundits are glad to see him playing but the flair he shows for Quins isn't really translating to the International level yet. Besides the match against Italy, England have only scored two tries in their matches against Scotland and Wales in the 2022 Six Nations, one from Smith himself and one from Alex Dombrandt intercepting an overthrown lineout five metres from the try-line.
There hasn't been many long spells of possession from England and there's been a lot of kicking which doesn't play to Smith's strengths in the running game, something that Andy Goode pointed out on Balls.ie's Six Nations preview show The Takeaway with Chicago Town Pizza.
There's a lot of excitement and talent in that England backline but they're playing with a straight jacket the way Eddie Jones coaches the team. It's very risk-averse rugby, Marcus Smith has all the skills
Unfortunately under Eddie Jones we're playing this kicking game where we get towards the opposition 22 and we're still trying to tactically put pressure on through kicks and turning down opportunities to take on defenders
We need to see the development of our attack, we need to see the development of Marcus Smith, really give him the opportunity to lead the team and play his game in the England jersey that he does in a Harlequins jersey. There's no point in picking Harry Randall, Joe Merchant, Freddie Steward, guys who want ball in hand and playing a kicking game.
We hope the shackles are free this weekend and Marcus Smith can bring his whole bag of tricks and I really can't wait to see the battle between him and Johnny Sexton, it's master against apprentice in terms of International experience and where they're at.
Gordan D'Arcy is too in agreement that Smith doesn't fit into this England side the way they're playing during this Six Nations. He like a few others are happy to see his name on the teamsheet and not Owen Farrell, who has a history of dismantling Ireland, especially at Twickenham.
Jones is largely forced to pick Marcus Smith on pressure and Owen Farrell's injury.
He's playing a game that's designed for Owen Farrell rather than a game that's designed for Smith which is a shame if you like rugby but it's great if you are an Ireland fan.
England's next two Six Nations games will be a huge challenge for Smith as they come up against the two form sides in the competition Ireland and France and it will be a good litmus test to see where he measure's up to compared to Johnny Sexton and Romain Ntamack.
No matter how Smith performs, England are a very strong team and we're in for show on Saturday in Twickenham.
See Also: Eddie Jones Uses Odd Anecdote To Pile Pressure On Ireland Ahead Of Six Nations Clash
