England fly-half Fin Smith has openly credited Matt Sherratt, Wales' interim head coach, for significantly shaping his rugby career. This comes ahead of a decisive Six Nations match where England faces Wales in Cardiff. Smith, now England's first-choice number 10, reminisced about the pivotal role Sherratt played during his early days at Worcester.

The Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Smith shared, 'He sat me down for an honest conversation that I won't forget when I was midway through my first year with Worcester as an 18-year-old.' Sherratt, who was Smith's first coach, pushed him to exceed expectations, comparing him to rugby stalwarts like George Ford and Owen Farrell.

Impact on Smith's Development

Sherratt's advice was straightforward yet transformative. 'If you want to take that step, you have got to be doing things slightly differently to everyone else,' Smith recalled. This encouragement motivated him to utilize his free time for extra practice, focusing on skills and passing techniques, which proved crucial in accelerating his development.

Preparing for the Big Game

As England heads into the final game of the Six Nations against Wales, the match holds significant weight. A victory for England keeps them in title contention, whereas Wales, under Sherratt's guidance since he took over from Warren Gatland, aims to avoid the Wooden Spoon amid a series of 16 consecutive Test defeats.

Sherratt's Legacy at Wales

Despite the streak, Sherratt has injected a renewed sense of confidence and tactical sharpness into the Welsh squad. 'He has got an unbelievable attacking brain,' Smith noted, praising the strategic plays and the cohesion Sherratt has fostered among the players.

Conclusion

This weekend's game is not just about national pride but also a showcase of mentorship paying off. As both teams prepare to clash, the influence of a coach on his former protégé will undoubtedly be a subplot to watch, adding an intriguing layer to this gripping rugby showdown.