FULL MARCUS

Smith showed fighting spirit with match-winning moment

- PAUL EDDISON

THERE was a moment at the end of England’s one-point home victory over France that said everything about the competitive side of Marcus Smith.

They had just taken the lead and needed to negotiate a final restart to end a run of seven straight defeats to tier-one sides.

France kicked the restart short and it was not gathered initially, instead squirting loose to give the visitors a chance to regather and try to snatch the win.

However, Smith – the smallest England player on the pitch – reacted fastest to dive on the loose ball and allow Fin Smith to kick it out and seal the win.