“I've been practicing drop kicking. Since I had an advantage, I decided to take the plunge and try it.”
Marcus Smith follows in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson and George Ford as the latest English fly-half to carve his name into drop-goal legend.
Wilkinson delivered the biggest prize in the 2003 World Cup final, Ford's masterclass ousted Argentina in France last year, while Smith's boots dashed Ireland's dream of winning an historic Six Nations Grand Slam back-to-back. Ta.
Smith came off the bench to mark his return from injury and scored a last gasp goal over the post to give England a stunning victory. Ford and England kicking coach Kevin Sinfield were then name-checked.
“I was pretty excited to be honest,” Smith told BBC Sport.
“The wide channel after Manny gave us an advantage.” [Feyi-Waboso] He made devastating runs, as he did throughout the game, and brought us within 10 meters.
“Then the forwards came in and wore them down. We had another penalty advantage right in front of us, so we've been learning about George and practicing drop goals.” [Ford] and kev [Sinfield]So I thought: why not? ”
Smith, who performed well as a full-back when England finished third in the World Cup, was supposed to have cemented his place as England's number 10 in the Six Nations, but a calf injury forced him to miss the opening three. He was absent from the match. .
He came on in the second half in place of the usually sure-handed Ford, who failed to take a penalty and convert, and his arrival on the field seemed to have everyone inside Twickenham feeling England's persuasion.
Smith received the ball from Harlequins teammate Danny Care. Keir also came off the bench on his 100th Test cap to lead England to a goal.
“It was great to get the ball from Danny on a special day,” Smith added.
“This was a tournament that I was really looking forward to and an opportunity for the team to progress towards the World Cup.
“It was disappointing to be left out before the first game, but I was excited again to see the players from home on my couch.
“I felt very lucky and honored as I was keen to be back as part of the Six Nations.
“We didn't get the result we wanted against Scotland, but this team will take a lot of pride and confidence from this performance.
“We challenged one of the best teams in the world for 80 minutes.
“It has had its ups and downs, but it was a great spectacle for the fans and I think the players will be happy.
“What we talked about all week was to have belief and confidence in each other because we don't become a bad team overnight.
“Last week passed by in the blink of an eye, but if we keep our standards high and lift each other up, anything is possible. Moments like this give us hope and confidence to keep going.”
Smith's memorable cameo will be a selection headache for Steve Borthwick in the final game against France, where the Six Nations title could still be in the cards.
The importance of the 25-year-old player to the team, especially Owen Farrell absent at Test level; Despite his recent absence, he was clearly visible during this campaign.
The hosts showed renewed attacking intent and speed of the ball against Ireland than at any time during Steve Borthwick's tenure.
And his contribution means Smith will be in contention for a starting spot at Lyon next Saturday.