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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

'Marcus Smith is a warrior and has everything' - Felipe Contepomi warns Ireland ahead of Twickenham

Marcus Smith's arrival as an England star whets the appetite for their Twickenham clash with Ireland, predicts Felipe Contepomi.

The Argentinian knows a top young no 10 when he sees one and, having wondered how Smith would make the transition to Test level, he believes the 22-year-old is the real deal.

The Harlequins star will add to his rugby education at the highest level against a highly-motivated Ireland side guided by Johnny Sexton on Saturday week.

"I think he's one of those players where if they fit in the style of rugby that you want to play, he's got basically everything in terms of speed, skills, kicking game, hands, he's brave," said Contepomi.

"You can see his mindset, he's a warrior, he takes the game to the line and so on.

"He's a brilliant player. As a spectator, it's really nice to watch a number 10 like that.

"Sometimes it's (about) how he fits into a team, and he looks like he's fitting really well in the English setup.

"We've already seen for the last few years what he does in Harlequins, but the Harlequins way definitely suits him and he fits in really well.

"The big question was how he would do at international level and for the moment he's doing really well, so he's someone to look (out for).

"But England is such a good team, you can't just focus on one person.

"Ireland will probably focus on the general game, and probably even will have to focus on many Irish aspects as well. It will be a good game, hopefully."

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