Smith was an early substitute and provided a big tackle, a try and a hitch-kick to inspire victory over Italy

The second half is barely a minute old. If you can’t see the scoreboard you can tell by those swathes of empty seats. It is a hot day after all and refreshments are still being swilled. Italy are not bothered, however. They are on the attack, parked in England’s 22 and when the fly-half Paolo Garbisi finds the outside, a try, and with it the lead, looks a certainty.

The ball is flung wide to Italy’s left-winger Matt Gallagher, who steps inside off his left foot. The step is read by Marcus Smith, who throws every one of his 82kg behind the tackle. Gallagher is stopped, Italy’s momentum is lost and, soon after, England escape with a penalty awarded at the breakdown.