MARCUS SMITH steps onto rugby's biggest stage fired up by widespread expectation that he will orchestrate a Christmas cracker.
More than 75,000 fans are likely to be at Twickenham to see Harlequins face Gloucester in Big Game 15, the Londoners' annual showpiece.
And all eyes will be on Quins' 24-year-old ringmaster with team-mates and coaches alike having every confidence the England star will handle it.
"Marcus is a big-game player, he likes that attention, the high stakes, said prop Will Collier. "That's where he thrives.
"The buzz, the energy and being in tough situations is what he thrives off. It is the sign of a great player."
This story is from the December 30, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the December 30, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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