Advertisement
Fin Smith recalls the career-defining reality check interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt gave him during his time at Worcester Warriors which he's still grateful for today.
Sherratt was backs coach at Worcester from 2020 until the club's financial demise saw him and his protege part ways.
Smith remains grateful for the advice received from the Wales boss that has guided his miraculous rise to becoming a Premiership title winner and first choice England fly-half aged just 22.
"He was my first coach at Worcester," said Smith. "I've got a lot to thank him for. He sat me down for a really honest conversation that I won't forget. It was when I was midway through my first year as an 18-year-old and suddenly said, 'look at Jonny (Wilkinson), Faz (Owen Farrell), Fordy (George Ford), they were all playing week in, week out at 18. If you want to get to that level, then,' which he said I could, 'you have to push on and not just wait to follow the same trajectory that the rest of the boys in the academy are on'.
"It's easy to turn up and follow the schedule like everyone else does. We go into the weights sessions, then meetings but if you want to take the next step, then you've got to be doing things slightly differently than everyone else. He encouraged me to get in and kick on my days off, use all my free time to look at video and practice my skills and passing. A lot of boys turn up and follow the same path but he gave me a bit of a slap."
Smith is relishing this Saturday's meeting with Wales in Cardiff as he takes on Sherratt's new side, who despite not ending their 16-match losing streak, have made vast improvements during recent rounds under his stewardship.
The Northampton playmaker says the pair are still in touch and revealed a funny exchange after Sherratt received his Wales appointment.
He added: "I've never experienced playing in the Principality or against Wales but by all accounts it's a difficult place to go. They've really bounced back under Matt Sherratt. They look a difficult outfit, so we've got to turn up fully waxed, otherwise it's going to be an incredibly tough day considering what's on the line.
"I texted him all the best with the Wales job and he replied 'f**k off, I'll see you in a few weeks which sums him up. He's a good guy."