Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson is excited to see Marcus Smith back at training, after the fly half was released from Steve Borthwick’s England squad today. Matson is preparing his side for this weekend’s ‘Big Game 14’, with Harlequins making the short walk over to Twickenham Stadium, to take on Exeter Chiefs.
Matson has been impressed with Smith’s attitude since returning from the England camp, and is driving the Harlequins side forward, ahead of a must win weekend in the Gallagher Premiership.
“Clearly Marcus is one of those that’s kind of been the centre, the linchpin in a lot of Quin’s success. So yeah, having him back this week is fantastic. You know, I think he’s a really level headed young man. He’s taken that selection in his stride, like it was nothing.
“And understanding that actually, you know, that’s the next level up. People pick teams on what they think is going to win that specific test match, it doesn’t mean he’s down and out (from England).
“In fact, it’s probably the type of man he is. It’s created more resolve, and improving his game, and we (Harlequins) only benefit from that.”
The 24-year-old made a brief cameo appearance in England’s latest Six Nations victory over Wales. Smith was substituted on with just 14 seconds of the game to go. Matson recognises how Smith needs to get game time under his belt, in what will be mutually beneficial to Marcus, and to Harlequins.
“It is about game time. So he comes back to us, and he’s got opportunity to get as many minutes as he needs. So it’s a definite win-win.”
“He’s come back with real energy, and he wants to contribute and play really well. He’s already helped drive some of the game plan. And that’s fantastic. It’s ultimately the reason he’s been in the England shirt, it’s because of what he’s done here (at Harlequins). So the ‘Big Game’ gives him an opportunity to go ‘remember me?’ I can do this differently.”
Steve Borthwick will set up the next England training camp at Brighton College, which coincidentally is Marcus Smith’s former school. Matson does not think that the omission will impact Smith, and may even improve the fly half’s performance against Exeter Chiefs.
“I don’t think not being at the training campus is going to hinder him on that. And ultimately, it might enhance it, I mean, if he has a big game and he does what we know he can do. He offers something different from the other people in that England roster.”
Despite Marcus Smith taking the spotlight, Harlequins do have a second fly half returning to the squad from Six Nations duty. Tommso Allan has been shining for Italy in their opening two matches against France and England. However, a returning Paolo Garbisi overshadowed Allan’s involvement against Ireland, with Matson excited for his return to the Quins camp, and to rival Smith at fly half.
“I think we’re really lucky aren’t we. We’ve got two players who are involved in two Six Nations squads, and that’s very rare. Is there any other teams in the Premiership who’ve got that luxury? Probably not.
“I think for us, you know, having that quality in that position is critical. So, you know, Tommy’s been back playing. So his availability, of course, is going to make your training week stronger, and makes it difficult for selection.”