Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson admits that Fin Smith has returned to Franklin’s Gardens with a “point to prove” after a disappointing Autumn internationals campaign with England.
Smith, 23, started four of England’s five games in the Six Nations to earn a place on the Lions tour to Australia, but appears to now be behind George Ford and Marcus Smith in Steve Borthwick’s pecking order.
He came off the bench against Australia and, despite looking impressive at fly-half in the 38-18 win over Fiji, missed out on the wins over the All Blacks and Argentina with Smith preferred for the replacements.
But Dowson believes that Smith, who is likely to feature for the Saints against Bristol Bears this weekend, is more than equal to the challenge of coming back from what is seen as the first real setback of his career.
“Fin is obviously disappointed that he hasn’t played more, but George Ford has been excellent, and England have been playing very well, so he hasn’t had as much opportunity as he would have liked to have done.
“At the end of the Six Nations, he was the bona fide starter for England ahead of Marcus Smith, who only a year before had dropped a goal against France, and everyone said this is who we are going to build upon.
“Obviously, things change quickly. George Ford had an excellent summer tour to Argentina. He has a huge amount of experience and leadership that Steve (Borthwick) values.
“So it’s hugely disappointing for Fin, who, after the Six Nations, would have thought, ‘I’m going on the Lions tour’, the pathway is set in front of me. But it changes and changes quickly and is out of your control.
“He is frustrated that he has missed the chance to have four games in this block to cement his place and is going to have to go back and prove himself all over again.
“He has come back with a chip on his shoulder and with a point to prove, and he had huge energy today, coming straight back in,” said Dowson.