Harlequins ringmaster Smith was England’s most dangerous player in Saturday’s 42-37 defeat by Australia, helping to set up four of their five tries in an attacking masterclass.
“We were keen to suffocate him, but he just kept breathing,” said an impressed Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt after the match.
Flannery has a deep understanding of Smith’s game, gathered during his four-year spell as an assistant coach for Harlequins, a post he held until joining Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks this year.
“Marcus is a class player,” South Africa attacking coach Tony Brown said.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rodri keeping door open on La Liga return
BLUES STAR CONSIDERS ALL OPTIONS ON FUTURE
Taylor impressed as Blues put on show of strength
CITY boss Gareth Taylor commended his players for how they dealt with the ‘physical challenge’ of Hammarby following the 2-0 Champions League victory over the Swedish outfit at the Joie Stadium.
What does the future hold for Pep at Etihad?
GUARDIOLA STILL TO DECIDE ON DEAL EXTENSION
Raducanu leads the British hopes
Emma Raducanu has been backed to play a starring role for Great Britain on her return from injury at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
US Open failure still hurts Mcllroy
RORY McIlroy admits his failure to win the US Open still \"stings\" as he bids to match Seve Ballesteros by winning a sixth Race to Dubai title.
Actor dies surrounded by family
ACTOR Timothy West, known for many roles in television and the theatre, has died peacefully in his sleep aged 90 “with his friends and family at the end”, his family said.
Trump's defence choice of TV host stuns Pentagon
US PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defence world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defence secretary, looking to someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.
Happy to be home
SURVEY REVEALS AREAS THAT PUT SMILES ON FACES
Latest Liam mural gets a roasting
PEOPLE have compared Liam Gallagher to a ‘roast chicken at Christmas’ as he takes centre stage in another Manchester mural – this time taking over the wall of a chip shop.
CARGY BHAJI
A WOMAN suffered minor injuries after a car crashed into an Indian restaurant.
