Marcus Smith drifting into Lions no man’s land?

Jack of all trades, a grasp of none?

Making use of that adage to Marcus Smith, the rugby participant, could be harsh and incorrect. Nonetheless, within the context of British and Irish Lions choice, it outlines the predicament he finds himself in.

The England and Harlequins fly-half is considered one of English rugby’s most electrifying gamers, not solely at fly-half however throughout the whole backline. Smith’s versatility is his best power and, on the similar time, the very motive why he dangers being missed when Andy Farrell names his Lions Check XV in opposition to Australia this summer time.

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In cricket, there’s a outlined function and place for all-rounders, however the identical can’t be stated of rugby. Within the fiercely aggressive panorama of securing a spot on a Lions tour, one’s value, worth, and utility should be made abundantly clear to selectors.

Smith’s expertise can’t be questioned, however the actuality is his rivals are mounting extra compelling circumstances for choice at current.

The roots of this may be traced again to the Six Nations, the place Smith was demoted to full-back to accommodate Fin Smith’s ascension to England fly-half. Whereas eyebrows had been raised initially, Steve Borthwick’s tactical determination was in the end vindicated by Fin Smith’s seamless adaptation to worldwide rugby, and England ending the event as runners-up behind France.

Since returning to Harlequins, Smith has endured the same destiny. He was sin-binned after being moved to full-back in a 47-28 Premiership defeat to leaders Tub, by which Scotland fly-half and Lions rival Finn Russell pulled the strings.

The conclusion of the Six Nations has left the Investec Champions Cup as the first area from which closing claims for Lions choice could be staked, however within the case of Smith, it has solely served to dent his aspirations.

Deployed again in his most well-liked place of fly-half for Harlequins’ last-16 conflict in opposition to Leinster, Smith and his team-mates’ Champions Cup marketing campaign was crushed by a chastening 62-0 defeat to the four-time champions.

As Smith toiled, reverse quantity and fellow Lions hopeful, Sam Prendergast, enhanced his claims, serving to Leinster previous Harlequins after which Glasgow Warriors into the semi-finals with out conceding a single level.

Fin Smith’s case, in the meantime, has been strengthened by serving to Northampton Saints beat Clermont Auvergne and Castres on their approach into the Champions Cup semi-finals, the place a mouth-watering showdown with Leinster and Prendergast awaits.

Even gamers perceived to be additional down the pecking order for Lions choice, equivalent to Munster’s Jack Crowley, have delivered clutch moments – his match-winning drop aim in opposition to La Rochelle – to present Farrell meals for thought.

Smith wants a second, a efficiency – one thing – to pressure his approach into the Lions Check image. That might but come within the race for the Gallagher Premiership title, the place Harlequins stay within the play-off image, although that seems a tall order on present kind.

The rigours of a Lions tour could imply there may be nonetheless an essential function for Smith to play as occasions unfold in Australia, however the Lions’ quest for a primary collection victory in 12 years seems destined to be entrusted to others, from the beginning at the very least.

Watch each recreation of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, together with all three Check matches in opposition to the Wallabies, solely stay on Sky Sports activities. Additionally stream with NOW.