Six Nations 2022: England captain Owen Farrell helps Marcus Smith make a big splash behind the scenes

England half-time Marcus Smith said injured captain Owen Farrell had "helped me huge time behind the scenes" during his first Six Nations. Coach Eddie Jones assigned the 94-cap veteran to lead Harlequin's younger Smith through this year's campaign. Six Nations 2022 Fans can buy England Six Nations Tickets from our website.

Owen Farrell helps Marcus Smith make a big-time behind the scenes

Although Farrell, 30, was subsequently ruled out, he has remained in touch with Smith, who turns 23 on Monday and has been a standout for England.

"His response is very significant to me," Smith told BBC Sport.

"I learned a lot from him, also in the fall and summer. We have a great relationship and it's a disgrace he can't be there."

"How I feel in preparation and how I feel in the game he watched the game and we talked about."

Farrell's nonappearance meant more chances in midfield for Leicester's halftime George Ford, who starred in Sunday's 33-0 win over Italy, with Smith switching to a central striker for the second time in his life.

Smith, who has scored his fourth effort in seven Tests, also crossed in England's 20-17 win over Scotland and was named man of the match for Rome.

He told BBC Sport's Sara Orchard: "To be able to pick George's brain and learn from him, both on and off the pitch, in his training and in the information of preparation, it was really amazing.

 Farrell Owen was subsequently ruled out, he has remained in touch with Smith

“I really liked the 12-year-old game. It's a different way of looking at the game and it's great to play together.

"George taught me some tricks about screw bomb withdrawal," Smith added. "He's got it.

"He helped me and my game management but he does it five times in a game, I do it once in a game. We exchanged ideas, we're working on the game, so it was great to work excitedly with it."

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