FIN IS A SHERR THING

Smith's big debt to Wales coach Matt

- ADAM HATHAWAY

FIN SMITH revealed a heart-to-heart chat with Wales stand-in coach Matt Sherratt accelerated his rise from academy player to Test starter.

Sherratt ran the backs at Worcester when Smith was a teenager. And he delivered a few home truths to the 22-year-old, who is now England fly-half.

Sherratt moved to Cardiff in 2023 and was catapulted into the Wales hot seat two games into this year's Six Nations when Warren Gatland stood down.

But he left a lasting impression on Smith after telling the teenager he had to emulate the work ethic of Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell.