Former England captain backs Fin Smith to be as good as prime Jonny Wilkinson | Rugby | Sport

Fin Smith was one of England’s standout performers in their thrilling Six Nations victory over France and former Red Rose skipper Courtney Lawes feels the fly-half will be an important player for years to come

Former England captain Courtney Lawes has backed Fin Smith to emulate the legendary Jonny Wilkinson in his prime.

England snatched a last-gasp 26-25 victory over France at the weekend in their Six Nations clash, with 22-year-old fly-half Smith playing a starring role.

And his performance has drawn comparisons from Lawes with England’s 2003 World Cup hero Wilkinson. In a recent column for The Times, Lawes wrote: “He’s got the tactical mind that an international No.10 needs. I don’t see any reason that he can’t be as good as Jonny Wilkinson was in his prime. Smith had looked nervous in the opening minutes against France but became more confident as the game went on.

“When the game was on the line and at its most tense, in that final 20 minutes, he looked so comfortable with being in charge. He took on the goal-kicking duties and it didn’t faze him. It was great to see.”

Lawes explained how he had been impressed with Smith’s rise since his move to Northampton Saints and the youngster’s efforts in their charge to the Premiership title and Champions Cup semi-finals last season.

He added: “Fin is inexperienced, but he seems really experienced. That’s just his mindset and the way he carries himself. He probably understands the game better than I do.”

Lawes also suggested Smith’s ability will only reap further rewards for England by boosting some of his team-mates.

“He’s going to be such a good player for England because he brings out the strengths in those around him,” Lawes said. “You saw how well he linked with Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, the two Saints wings. Smith could help Ollie Lawrence, the Bath centre, take his game to the next level too.”

Smith will be confident of earning another start for England in their next Six Nations fixture, when they take on Scotland for the Calcutta Cup on February 22.

Scotland have won all of the last four meetings between the sides, with both teams currently on one win apiece in this year’s Six Nations, having each lost to Ireland.

Smith might not be the only English youngster looking to make his mark, as Steve Borthwick has called up 20-year-old Henry Pollock for a three-day training camp while Tom Curry follows a strict recovery schedule after he had surgery on his hip last year.

Back rower Pollock plays alongside Smith for Northampton, where he has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season.