Lions watch: Who impressed in Six Nations round two?

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Lions watch: Who impressed in Six Nations round two?

Fin Smith produced an inspired second-half display at Twickenham to turn the tide in England’s favour over France.

Smith, on his first Test start, began slowly before creating two late tries.

He changed the direction of attack to clip the ball wide for Northampton Saints team-mate Tommy Freeman to gather and score, before timing his pass for Elliot Daly to glide through the French defence in the penultimate minute.

Smith’s conversion handed England victory and he was named player of the match to stake his claim for the number 10 jersey.

Marcus Smith, who started at fly-half in the opening round defeat by Ireland, had a solid game from full-back but will be targeting a return to his preferred position.

It remains to be seen whether Farrell considers Marcus Smith as an option at fly-half or elsewhere but Fin Smith has certainly boosted his chances.

In the Scottish capital, Finn Russell was denied the chance to impose himself on Ireland and strengthen his claim to the Lions’ 10 shirt which he wore in South Africa in 2021, after colliding with team-mate Darcy Graham in the first half.

His opposite number Sam Prendergast ended the game with the player-of-the-match award after a balanced and controlled display.

The 21-year-old, on his fifth cap, fired an excellent long pass for Calvin Nash to score the opening try and kicked 12 points from the tee.

Former Scotland captain Johnnie Beattie told BBC Rugby Union Weekly: “He is 21 years old and is only going to get better.

“He needs game time to mature and grow in confidence but in terms of raw material, with his kicking game and his ability to take time on the ball and choose the right option, his distribution was excellent.”

BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones added: “The 10 is a really interesting debate. It is still Finn Russell’s shirt from 2021 because he finished the third Test.

“He didn’t get a chance against Ireland to show what he can do but knowing Finn, he will have a blinder against England at Twickenham and cement himself.

“But then there is Fin Smith, Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley and Marcus Smith, whether he goes at 10 or as more of a floating outside back.”

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