The Smiths instrumental to a day of drama for England

Fin was magnificent but Marcus fluffed lines against France

- LUKE BAKER

In the biggest moments, the great players step up. It is, of course, far too early to call 22-year-old Fin Smith a great but the traits the fly-half demonstrated on his first international start as England finally ended their year of woe in close matches by dramatically defeating France 26-25 in a stone-cold thriller – signify the brightest of futures.

The debate over who should be given the England No 10 jersey has been raging for a while now. Would the veteran savvy and exceptional game management of George Ford serve this largely young England team best? Or do they need the individual brilliance and game-breaking ability of Marcus Smith.

In 80 minutes of rugby, Fin Smith ended that debate. After a scintillating, player-of-the-match performance, barring injury or other unforeseen circumstances, the shirt will be his for the present and the future.

Facing the challenge of a France team who not only demolished Wales 43-0 eight days prior, to kickstart a presumed Six Nations grand slam bid, but also handed England a record 53-10 loss the last time they came to Allianz Stadium two years ago, Smith rose to the occasion magnificently.

The composure he showed in the face of the French fire was exceptional – especially being able to bounce back after seeing his very first kick of the match charged down – and the cohesion he brought to a talented, but inconsistent, backline peppered with fellow Northampton Saints proved a huge boon.

Charged with calling plays and dictating how England would take to the game, he got more inventive and bolder as the 80 minutes wore on, culminating in calling the strike play that sent Elliot Daly scything over for the winning try at the death.