| Venue: Olympic Stadium, Rome Date: Saturday, 3 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT |
| Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, live text on BBC Sport website and app, watch on ITV1. |
Uncapped fly-half Fin Smith is “100% ready” for international rugby, says his former Worcester Warriors team-mate and ex-England flanker Matt Kvesic.
Smith, 21, is likely to make his England debut in their opening Six Nations game against Italy on Saturday.
The Northampton Saints fly-half and George Ford are Steve Borthwick’s only two fit fly-halves after Marcus Smith was ruled out because of injury.
“It is just the perfect time to get him game time,” Kvesic told BBC Sport.
“He is 100% ready for it and someone who I think over the next few years could be a really good player for England and a staple of the team.
“Fin needs the opportunity at international rugby. He is one of those players – and it sounds silly – but international rugby will almost suit him more.”
The 21-year-old made his Premiership debut for Worcester in 2021 as an 18-year-old before becoming a regular starter in the team during the 2021-22 season.
Alongside breaking into the Worcester senior team, Smith played an integral role in England Under-20s’ Grand Slam in 2021 – starting four out of their five games.
“He must have been 18 or 19 fresh out of school and on debut even then in quite a mixed and underpowered Worcester team he looked the real deal to be fair,” added former Warriors player Kvesic, who won four England caps.
“He just bossed the team really well. He was one of those kids that you felt comfortable running a game.
“He never had that arrogant attitude. Like you could tell he was good and he knew he was good, but he was always keen to learn and asked questions from everyone.”
Smith was picked up by Northampton following the demise of Warriors at the end of his first full season. This season he has steered the Saints to the knockout stages of the Champions Cup and top spot in the Premiership.
At only 20, Smith was included in Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad last season but did not make an appearance.
“The fact he had to leave Worcester and go to a new environment with new players and coaches, maybe his development has accelerated having done that,” Kvesic said.
“His mentality does not faze him. I would chuck him in at the deep end and I think he will thrive as opposed to survive.
“It is a good opportunity to get him some game time to play him and blood him in. The injury to Marcus Smith forces the hand anyway.”
Ford is likely to start the game against Italy meaning Smith could appear off the bench, in what will be his first appearance since his commanding European performance away against Munster.
The fly-half slotted a long-range drop-goal and helped guide 14-man Saints to an impressive away victory, showing his ability to take control of a game.
“He is a very well-rounded and balanced player. His real USP is how he manages, dictates and leads games. For a 21-year-old that is quite impressive,” Kvesic explained.
“You pick your players on form and he is one of those players and it is the perfect opportunity to put his best foot forward and hopefully lead England through this Six Nations and maybe further beyond.
“I fully expect him to grasp his opportunity with both hands.”
