England’s Attack Faces Ultimate Test Against Mighty All Blacks
Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith believes England’s growing attacking confidence will face its sternest examination yet when they take on a resurgent New Zealand side in Dunedin on Saturday.
Steve Borthwick’s team kicked off their tour with an emphatic 52-17 victory over Japan, scoring eight tries and showcasing the more expansive, attacking approach that has defined their recent Guinness Six Nations campaigns. However, the challenge posed by the remodelled but still formidable All Blacks will provide a true gauge of England’s progress.
“We’re developing a super strong set-piece, our defence has really improved in the last year and a half and I feel our mindset from an attacking point of view has improved as well,” Smith told Sky Sports. “We showed glimpses of that last time out and in the games against Ireland, France and Wales.”
The 24-year-old playmaker has been entrusted with directing England’s attack, having secured the starting fly-half role ahead of Northampton’s Fin Smith. While the competition between the young fly-halves remains healthy, Marcus Smith is determined to seize the opportunity and lead his side to a statement victory against the world-class All Blacks.
“Obviously we know that playing the All Blacks in their home nation is going to be a tough test, but it’s one that we’re really excited for. Hopefully we can show the best of ourselves against the best of them as well,” he said.
England’s revitalised attack will face its toughest challenge yet, but Marcus Smith and his teammates are brimming with confidence and eager to prove their mettle on the international stage.
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