Grand stage simply made for Marcus

BUZZ OF 75,000 FANS WILL INSPIRE SMITH

- Alex Spink

MARCUS SMITH steps onto rugby's biggest stage fired up by widespread expectation that he will orchestrate a Christmas cracker.

More than 75,000 fans are expected at Twickenham to see Harlequins take on Gloucester in Big Game 15, the London club's annual showpiece.

All eyes will be on the Quins ringmaster, with teammates and coaches alike having every confidence the England star will handle the occasion.

Prop Will Collier said: "Marcus is a big-game player, he likes that attention, the high stakes. That's where he thrives.

"The buzz and energy, being in tough situations, is what he thrives off.