It showed that England have the ability to dominate teams in those “championship minutes” – the times that really matter, the ones that France fluffed in the first half.
Marcus Smith is a game-breaker. He score tries, he is on all the posters and is so exciting to watch – his is probably the one name that kids growing up who want to get into rugby know about.
But at that level yesterday, it is very difficult to integrate those type of players into key decision-making roles.
While George Furbank recovers from his injury, I think Marcus Smith will play at full-back, but I don’t necessarily think he is the long-term solution there.
Fin Smith showed there is a difference in the way you can compete. There has to be an element of calmness and control. For all his individual gifts – perhaps because of them – that isn’t Marcus Smith’s forte.
I don’t think it will be a difficult decision for Steve Borthwick.
In opting for Marcus Smith over Freddie Steward at full-back, you sacrifice aerial security for more of an attacking threat, but I think that is a price worth paying for this England team.
Long-term though, particularly with the Northampton connection, I foresee George Furbank coming back into the team at 15.
Test match rugby is tough.
It is uncompromising high-performance environment. We are now more mindful of looking after each other in the work place and that is vital and important. But this is sport and it is a strict meritocracy. If there is someone who will serve the team better, you are out. And that is OK.
