Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Saturday, February 19.
Shane hails 'superb' Smith
Shane Williams has highlighted Marcus Smith as a potential star man for England ahead of their clash with Wales at Twickenham next weekend.
Smith has been thrust into the limelight following the injury to regular fly-half Owen Farrell, but Williams believes the 23-year-old has been 'superb' in the way he's carried out his duties so far.
And he's anticipating a tough afternoon for Wales, who go in search of their first win at Twickenham since the 2015 World Cup.
"Marcus Smith has been superb, he’s got two tries in two games and was deservedly man of the match against Italy," Williams told Betway .
"Wales travelling to Twickenham is going to be really tough, and that’s a game England will expect to win.
"It’s still up in the air and that's the beauty of the Six Nations - you can't write anyone off and you won’t put your money where your mouth is really at the moment, because there's a number of teams that could do it."
Barrett feared end of career
New Zealand superstar Beauden Barrett admits concussion very nearly caused him to call time on his professional career.
Barrett, who has twice been named world player of the year, was sidelined after taking a blow to the face during an attempted tackle on Ireland's Andrew Conway back in November.
The incident resulted in a nasty concussion, and the symptoms were so severe that the 30-year-old admits he considered hanging up his boots.
He told French publication, XV Mondial : “For two weeks, things have been much better. But throughout the off-season, I had migraines, 80 to 90 per cent of the time. Today, it tends to fade, they have become rarer.
“I will gradually resume contact training, I hope to play again in three weeks against the Chiefs. I thought it might be the end of my career. When you feel sluggish 99 per cent of the day, trying several ways to get better, but nothing works, you assume the worst.
“And then you hear about teammates who have to end their careers because of concussions, it’s more and more frequent. I thought it was my turn.
“You learn to get used to small headaches, a bit like a mild hangover. It’s very frustrating because when you wake up, in principle, you should feel refreshed and ready.”
Smith learns from Welshmen
England No.10 Marcus Smith has revealed how he learned from his Welsh team-mates during the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.
The mercurial playmaker shared a room with the likes of Wales skipper Dan Biggar, talisman Alun Wyn Jones and speedster Louis Rees-Zammit.
"There’s loads I learnt off the Welsh boys in South Africa – I was extremely lucky to be able to share a changing room and learn from those guys," he said.
"Alun Wyn Jones isn’t in their squad at the minute but he’s an absolute trooper in the way he’s so meticulous in his preparation. It’s no accident he’s played that many games.
"For me to see that at such a young age is special. Dan helped me a lot with my kicking game, my understanding of the game, and I just tried to pick all their brains to be honest – Owen (Farrell), Finn (Russell) as well as Dan. I was lucky and was like a cat in headlights, to be honest.
"I got on well with Louis. He’s a funny bloke. We keep in touch whenever we can – we’re both busy with our schedules with Gloucester and Quins and when he’s in camp we don’t really talk, but I always enjoy playing against him."
Dee poised for Dragons return
Dragons hooker Elliot Dee has been given the green light to return after having his recent red card suspension reduced.
Dee was sent off for foul play during his side's United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton in January and received an initial six-week ban.
However, his suspension has since been halved following his admission of guilt and his previous good record, with a further week since shaved off for the completion of a World Rugby course.
It means Dee, who's not been included in Wayne Pivac's Six Nations squad due to injury, is now free face Ulster on Sunday.
Henshaw ready to bounce back for Ireland
Robbie Henshaw says he's fully focused on muscling his way back into Andy Farrell's plans for the remainder of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.
The 28-year-old has been plagued by injury since returning from Lions duty over the summer, and his three appearances for Leinster have subsequently placed him on the periphery of Farrell's thinking.
The centre came off the bench during last weekend's defeat to France, but insists he's feeling fresh and ready to make his mark on this year's championship.
"It's been a bit of a rocky one for me this year," he said.
"I feel fresh, to be honest, so I'm ready to go, ready to step forward now.
"Obviously the stop-start season for me hasn't been ideal but hoping for a stronger finish to the second half of the season.
"My body feels good, mentally I feel good, I feel sharp, so it's exciting."
"It's about waiting for your opportunity first and foremost," he continued.
"The lads are going really well, fair play to them. It's been a good start and they've been building.
"But for me it's just stick to my process, what's worked for me, I've big confidence in that.
"Don't try and force things, just do the right thing in training and stay positive. All I can worry about is me and making sure I do the right thing."
