YOUNG FIN PASSES RIVAL'S TEST

Sherratt's rocket helped to turn budding talent into England starter

- Adam Hathaway

FIN SMITH revealed a heart-to-heart with current 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 delivered a few home truths to the 22-year-old, who is now England’s first choice fly-half.

Sherratt moved to Cardiff as head coach in 2023 and was catapulted into the Wales hot seat two games into this year's Six Nations when Warren Gatland quit last month.

He left a lasting impression on Smith when the coach departed Sixways, telling the youngster he had to emulate the work ethic of Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell instead of coasting through his career.

Now a star name at Northampton, Smith said: “He sat me down for a really honest conversation that I won't forget when I was midway through my first year as an 18-year-old.