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#Post#: 150130--------------------------------------------------
Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: DOK
Date: February 25, 2026, 5:31 am
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You wonder what on earth must he be thinking these days.
HTML https://www.westlondonsport.com/rugby/smiths-england-woes-mirror-harlequins-sticky-patch
#Post#: 150134--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: deadlyfrom5yardsout
Date: February 25, 2026, 5:45 am
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I'd like to say that says b*gger all and is just click bait but
unless my Adblock is working brilliantly, there aint no ads....
#Post#: 150138--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: Yareet
Date: February 25, 2026, 6:08 am
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I got as far as seeing that the photo was watermarked (and
presumably therefore used without payment) and skipped the rest
#Post#: 150145--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: Quinten Poulsen
Date: February 25, 2026, 8:22 am
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--- Quote from: Yareet link ---
>
> I got as far as seeing that the photo was watermarked (and
presumably therefore used without payment) and skipped the rest
>
--- End Quote ---
It's a legitimate use of images.
#Post#: 150150--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: TomBuckQuin
Date: February 25, 2026, 10:03 am
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It is all a bit Captain Obvious but I don't disagree with
anything that's written. Smith has fallen down the pecking order
and we (Quins) are cack... and as a result of us struggling as a
team, the pressure on Marcus has shown in his performances. Bit
of a vicious cycle that has spiralled all too quickly.
Until we are back firing as a team, I can't see Marcus getting a
look in for the starting 10 shirt - especially when Saints are
having a field day with Fin at the helm.
#Post#: 150156--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: poorfour
Date: February 25, 2026, 12:26 pm
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--- Quote from: TomBuckQuin link ---
>
> It is all a bit Captain Obvious but I don't disagree with
anything that's written. Smith has fallen down the pecking order
and we (Quins) are cack... and as a result of us struggling as a
team, the pressure on Marcus has shown in his performances. Bit
of a vicious cycle that has spiralled all too quickly.
>
> Until we are back firing as a team, I can't see Marcus getting
a look in for the starting 10 shirt - especially when Saints are
having a field day with Fin at the helm.
>
--- End Quote ---
In their recent England appearances Fin was anonymous (though
admittedly trying to spark things at second receiver with Ford
very much off the boil). Marcus was at least trying to do
something and created a lot of opportunities that went begging
because of the lack of other players working in support and
using their brains. Would McDowell’s tackle be endlessly
replayed if there had been any other England players in support
(or even someone offering an option for the crossfield kick)?
But maybe you’re right. What’s the good of England having a
player who presents problems that defences can’t solve if the
(lack of) support is going to solve those problems for him.
#Post#: 150161--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: Scooter
Date: February 25, 2026, 3:25 pm
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--- Quote from: poorfour link ---
>
>
> In their recent England appearances Fin was anonymous (though
admittedly trying to spark things at second receiver with Ford
very much off the boil). Marcus was at least trying to do
something and created a lot of opportunities that went begging
because of the lack of other players working in support and
using their brains. Would McDowell’s tackle be endlessly
replayed if there had been any other England players in support
(or even someone offering an option for the crossfield kick)?
>
> But maybe you’re right. What’s the good of England having a
player who presents problems that defences can’t solve if the
(lack of) support is going to solve those problems for him.
>
--- End Quote ---
If Marcus Smith - a 27 year old 80kg flyhalf/fullback - who came
on just before halftime can't outrun Stuart McCloskey - a 33
year old 115kg crashball centre who had been playing from the
start and gave Smith a 10m headstart, then the problems Smith
creates won't be ones that his opponents will have to worry
about.
#Post#: 150162--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: Yareet
Date: February 25, 2026, 4:33 pm
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Prop fingers mean an accidental emoji
#Post#: 150163--------------------------------------------------
Re: Smith’s England woes mirror Harlequins’ sticky patch
DIR By: never sleep
Date: February 25, 2026, 5:10 pm
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--- Quote from: Scooter link ---
>
>
> If Marcus Smith - a 27 year old 80kg flyhalf/fullback - who
came on just before halftime can't outrun Stuart McCloskey - a
33 year old 115kg crashball centre who had been playing from the
start and gave Smith a 10m headstart, then the problems Smith
creates won't be ones that his opponents will have to worry
about.
>
--- End Quote ---
Yeah. Fully agree. After all, it isn't a team sport is it.
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